Cleary Gottlieb is representing pro bono client Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy in its development and operation of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Beach and Floating Pool this summer. This is the first major project at the future site of Brooklyn Bridge Park along the Brooklyn waterfront and involves cooperation between government, not-for-profit and for-profit entities.
Cleary Gottlieb has been involved in all aspects of the project on an ongoing basis. Cleary Gottlieb has helped negotiate: a license with the Brooklyn Bridge Park Development Corporation (a subsidiary of the Empire State Development Corporation) for use of the site; agreements with the Neptune Foundation and American Leisure, Inc. for the use and operation of the Floating Pool Lady; and an agreement for the operation and maintenance of the beach and sale of concessions. Cleary Gottlieb also advised on obtaining and administering a BBPDC grant to fund the project.
The Floating Pool Lady, owned by the Neptune Foundation, is a steel deck barge that has been retrofitted with a 25-yard, seven lane swimming pool, a spray pool, lockers, bathrooms and showers. The Floating Pool Lady offers breathtaking views of New York harbor and the lower Manhattan skyline and is moored next to a 40,000 square foot urban beach with beach volleyball, sand soccer, rental chairs and umbrellas and concessions. Since opening to the public on July 4, the Floating Pool has welcomed over 61,000 visitors and has already expanded its operating hours.