Bushwick Inlet Park’s Motiva parcel is now open!
An embayment, as defined by Merriam-Webster is: a bay or a conformation resembling a bay. When you scroll down this dictionary page to see how the word can be used in a sentence you see:
“The Gotham towers would stand next to Bushwick Inlet, a rare natural embayment and ecological treasure finally scheduled to open this spring. — Katherine Thompson, New York Daily News, 2 Mar. 2026.”
Katherine Conkling Thompson is the Friends of Bushwick Inlet Park president of the board of directors.
The Motiva section of Bushwick Inlet Park opened to the public on April 30. It’s a slip of land that borders the part of the East River, which features the inlet in the center of the park’s name. Before this, the area had been inaccessible to the community for over a century. This parcel’s name originates from Motiva Enterprises, the entity this property was purchased from by NYC. In 2017, Mayor Bill de Blasio allocated $9.8M for its development into 1.9 acres of parkland.
A few years later, the 6-year design and extended construction period began.
There is a paved path that circumnavigates the embayment, which has several benches throughout where you can sit and take in the view, birdwatch, have a bite, etc.
Nearer to the water’s edge, in areas, is narrow beachy coastline dotted with concrete slabs to sit on. River rocks encase some water toward the shore to create wading pools.
Observation binoculars are posted at the southern tip of this park parcel. At the other tip, there is a nesting platform to benefit ornithic visitors and therefore birdwatchers.
The Friends of Bushwick Inlet Park (FBIP) credit the NYC Parks Department for seeing through this project’s design and construction and the City of New York for purchasing the property and funding the park’s development there.
FBIP have been consistent in their advocacy toward accomplishing the completion of the promise NYC made for 27 acres of waterfront property to make up for North Brooklyn’s deficiency of green space per capita. At present only eleven acres has become developed parkland.
One obstacle within the eighteen acres that remain is the Bayside lot. This piece needs to be remediated due to its long history with the petroleum industry. It is currently stalled because the responsibility and cost for remediation are to be taken up by those responsible for the problem. At present, not one of the petroleum giants who used this property are stepping up to claim responsibility. To be continued.
FBIP welcomes volunteers to help maintain the park space that we do have. 2026’s Weeding Wednesdays started up in April. Those who want to help weed, mulch, tend plants, and sometimes do some planting, may arrive at 50 Kent Avenue at 6 p.m. The gardening ends at 7:30 p.m., and FBIP provides gloves and tools, but you may bring your own. It’s advised to wear sunscreen and bring hydration. Sign up is required: https://bushwickinletpark.org/series/weeding-wednesdays-2026/
The Greenline 