Last week our class visited the former Domino Sugar Refinery in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Once the largest and most productive sugar refinery in the world, this site has a rich history of significant growth and development of Williamsburg and the industrialization of the Brooklyn Waterfront. It contributed to the rise of New York City as a global economic powerhouse. Operating between 1856 and 2004, Brooklyn’s Domino Sugar Refinery was the last major active industrial operation on Brooklyn’s once bustling East River waterfront.

Domino Park was built as a tribute to the history of the site and dedicated to the diversity and resiliency of generations of Domino workers, their families and their neighborhood. There are many subtle and not-so-subtle nods to the locations past, including the actual refinery building and the syrup tanks.

On our way to Domino Park, we saw a mural being painted to advertise a movie.  While we were there, we saw people of all ages having picnics and enjoying the sun with their children, their dogs, and their friends, while others were out for an afternoon jog.  It seemed to be a place where everyone can feel welcome and accepted.  Groundskeepers and other park-goers were eager to take a group photo for our class.  I really enjoyed the friendly, easygoing atmosphere.

Before our class concluded, we had a bite to eat at Tacocina, a Union Square Hospitality taco stand that will be open year-round in the park. After spending a few hours walking in the sun, it was a perfect refreshment.

I enjoyed our trip to Williamsburg, and I enjoyed learning about the history of the location on the park’s website.  I’m eager to tell my friends and family about it, and hopefully get to visit again soon.