My urban Tourism class and I took a little tour of Dumbo and Domino Park on June 12th, 2018. I was exited to be going on the tour because I really loved what Dumbo has morphed itself into. I often visited for some alone time and I like to come with my friends, we would have BBQ’s and picnics and it was also perfect at night during the summer for a date. Even though I’ve walked there many it was a great to learn about the area, now I appreciate the area more. To find out there was a new Park just a boat ride away, I was ecstatic to experience the newest edition, Domino Park.
The history of Dumbo dates back to the 80’s, when the area was mostly used for shipping and docking and it also contained warehouses and housed those very workers. Dumbo stands as Down under Manhattan bridge overpass, a name in which embodies gentrification at its best. I loved that while we where walking professor. Phillips mentioned that most of the buildings have been preserved and recognized as landmarks. That’s very important because we should always have knowledge of our history; we need to keep those roots alive, it is what makes us stand out from the rest. Tourists are attracted to culture and a place full of history, curiosity and knowing that wow I stood where this person stood is exciting. Dumbo to me is stuck between the past and the present and tourist are in love with that. The Eagles warehouse now apartments was the most beautiful, when I walked next to it after finding out that it was built in 1894 for the local Brooklyn eagles newspaper my excitement meter shot up to 90. When we walked on, closer to the water, pass the riverside café and the famous ice-cream shop The Brooklyn ice-cream factory I realized, Just like the architecture I noticed that the people that where in the park were also very diverse. I saw, a lot of children on trips, so many tourist speaking many different languages; kids on play dates, adults on play dates, couples, photographers, artists, joggers, and dog lovers.
We brought our tickets for the NYC ferry, and paid 5.50 for the ride to Domino Park. I had the most fun on the deck of the ferry; I enjoyed the breeze and the 80-degree weather. Before arriving we admired manhattans skyline and chatted with some of the tourist. From the ferry we could see the domino sugar factory, I wish it still smelled like sugar but it closed in 2004. Two trees management wanted the park as a public space to preserve the history and provide someplace where residents can relax. They will be going forward with the proposal to turn the refinery into housing units and office space. Upon learning that I don’t know if, that was what I wanted to hear. But overall, I loved the vibe; it was colorful and full of life. The park included machinery from the factory, I found very cool because it pulled the park together with the factory. The factory didn’t feel alone, but apart of the massive Kent waterfront park. When we continued to walk down the waterfront, we saw a fast food Mexican restaurant called Tacocina.
Tacocina was calling my name and I’m sure everyone one of my classmates and my professor too. Before we went and buried ourselves in guacamole and a variety of tacos. We took some pictures in front of the domino sugar refinery, and then more pictures. We had to wait on a long line, but to me my 4.50 shrimp and chayote Tartar taco was delicious, just expensive. I’m glad I got to enjoy Domino Park with my class, now I can bring everyone here with me.
