stormwater. Bulkheads are effective at stopping water but they do not dispel the wave energy, they merely redirect it. This often leads to water erosion elsewhere along the bank or damage Creating Hunters Point South Waterfront Park to the bulkhead itself. You may have noticed this yourself if you have visited the bay during a
Urban Ecology
Not so long ago, Hunters Point South Waterfront Park was nothing but an abandoned industrial center and an eyesore on the East River skyline. Today, the park has become a haven for runners, picnickers, sightseers, and kayakers. In 2013, New York City Parks opened the first phase of Hunters Point South. In 2018, the second phase of the park was completed. This phase added an additional five and a half acres of recreation area including a kayak launch, a workout circuit, and picnic areas. However, creating recreation areas was not the only purpose of the park. It was also designed to provide the city protection from flooding and storm surges. Before Hurricane Sandy, flood protection in the Northeast was primarily done with bulkheads, concrete or wooden walls that held back
10
