The Men and Women Who Make Brooklyn Bridge Park So Amazing

"We became essential overnight," shared Jason Brunson, Deputy Director of Operations at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Since the pandemic, the park has become a key destination for people, a place for "keeping people sane, happy, and with a smile on their faces. The staff that is responsible for maintaining the park is extremely proud that the park has become that place. We take this responsibility very seriously."

Jason, who has been with the park for almost four years, worked for other large venues such as Barclays Center and Madison Square Garden. Brooklyn Bridge Park presented a new challenge to him because of its wide, open spaces. He has played an integral and intentional role in expanding the park, and shared that it is now 85-90% built out.

In his current position, Jason oversees the custodians and supervisors who are in charge of the aesthetics and operational aspects of the park. He describes his staff as a "dedicated bunch who take pride in running what has been called the cleanest park in the city, and who work hard to maintain all of that every single day."

As Jason explained, the park is made up of a series of piers, and each pier has its own special features. Some have athletic facilities, some have gardens, and other piers have a combination of both of those things. Each custodian is assigned to a pier, and is responsible for tasks such as trash removal, furniture staging, bathroom maintenance, and helping visitors get to where they need to go.

Visitors engage in a wide variety of activities which include biking down the parkway, laying out on the grass, playing soccer, and, in the summer, watching movies. Since the pandemic, Jason has noticed many more people using the park as a place to bicycle. [Editor's note: Yay!]

Jason relayed that a guiding principle of the park operations is that of inclusion and a value of people from all walks of life. This value is reflected within the teams and the departments, and also in the adeptness of the staff around interacting with a diverse group of visitors. They regularly interface with locals and tourists alike, and often make personal connections with people who come on a regular basis.

"These are tragic and challenging times, and my staff and I want to see both us and the people who come here being the best version of ourselves," shared Jason. "We are about extending a hand to people in need.My staff is doing a great job of doing to other people as they would have others do unto them."

Jason's final thoughts? "When you come to the park, you are walking into a safe, fun, respectful environment. Our staff is a direct part of that experience."

A heartfelt thanks to you, Jason, and to the entire operations team. It is your hard work and dedication that make it possible for myself and thousands of people to have a haven and a refuge to rest, exercise, and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Custodians and Supervisors in photograph:
Antoine Gibbs- Supervisor; Officer Frasier; Officer Barklay; Frank Duda-Turf and Trade Manager; Lewis Irizarry (front)- Custodian; Ian Cambridge (under tree)- Custodian; Nikiesha Younger- Custodian; Jorge Ferreira- Supervisor; Lisa Cepeda- Custodian; Victor Taylor- Custodian; Officer Baker

Custodians and Supervisors not pictured:
Devon King- Supervisor; Floyd Robinson- Supervisor; Alex Tavares- Supervisor; Tyrone Williams- Supervisor; Gregory Burke- Custodian; Richard High- Custodian; Marva Leggard- Custodian; Tyrone Isaac- Custodian; Lakquan Lopez- Building Services Technician; Michael Marino- Custodian; Anissa McKenzie- Custodian; Richard Shepherd-Custodian

My Local Heroes is a celebration of Brooklynites who hold down the fort and make lives go better with little fanfare and a lot of heart and smarts.

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