Low-Key Spots Near Bed-Stuy For Outdoor Fun On Memorial Day

BEDFORD-STUYVESANT, BROOKLYN — Prepare yourself for a Memorial Day unlike any other, thanks to social distancing measures to slow the new coronavirus' spread.

NYPD officers are poised to crack down on large gatherings, city beaches are closed and mask requirements will ensure bizarre new tan lines.

But many Brooklynites likely will want to spend time outside — and probably most-definitely lots of it — after weeks of being cooped up, coupled with forecasted warm weather and partly cloudy skies for Memorial Day.

Some parks outside Bed-Stuy have been mobbed with sun bathers, cyclists and the less-than-socially distant, so finding a more laid-back spot is a must for anyone's coronavirus outdoor holiday wishlist.

So, Patch — with the help of some readers — compiled a list of low-key places in and near Bed-Stuy where it may (no guarantees) be easier to enjoy the outdoors this Memorial Day without running into large crowds.

Check some of the suggestions out below:

Saratoga Park

By all means, try Herbert Von King Park this Memorial Day. It's bigger and more centrally-located in the neighborhood than humble Saratoga Park.

But on a list of low-key spots, Saratoga Park better fits that bill. Nestled close to Bushwick, it has nice spacious paths, ample and equal measures of sun and shade and shouldn't be slept on.

Fort Greene Park

Brooklyn's first park is big enough, hilly enough and just enough out of the way that it'll likely be easy to find a quiet spot.

Wind your way up to the Prison Ship Martyr's Monument through the trees and take in the sights from atop the hill. Or skip the cardio for a layabout on a lawn.

This park has a history going back to Revolutionary War and War of 1812 forts, so a visit also doubles as a historical "memorial" twofer.

Highland Park

Is this Brooklyn or Queens? A little bit of both. Is it Bed-Stuy? No, but it's Memorial Day and it's not too far away.

Highland Park surrounds the Ridgewood Reservoir, a 50-acre mix of forest and waterthat you likely didn't know about. Take a walk on the path encircling the reservoir and you'll see birds, trees and views from ridge that go as far as the Atlantic Ocean.

It's easy to forget you're in Brooklyn, much less New York City, when you take a trip to Highland Park. That makes it a prime, low-key Memorial Day spot.

Your Stoop

Hey, it doesn't cost anything to just sit on your stoop and enjoy your neighborhood.

There are few, if any, places in the world that Bed-Stuy. Take a step back this Memorial Day and appreciate where you live.

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