Fort Greene Park is a roughly 30-acre public park at DeKalb Avenue and South Portland Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205, in Fort Greene. Established in 1847 as Washington Park after campaigning by residents including Walt Whitman, it occupies a former military position. Travelers come for shaded hillside walks, neighborhood picnics, playgrounds, and the Prison Ship Martyrs’ Monument, one of New York’s most consequential Revolutionary War memorials.
What to Expect at Fort Greene Park
Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux redesigned the park beginning in 1867, shaping its steep terrain into winding paths, lawns, and wooded slopes. The summit belongs to the Prison Ship Martyrs’ Monument, dedicated in 1908 and designed by McKim, Mead & White. Its approximately 149-foot Doric column commemorates more than 11,000 Americans who died aboard British prison ships during the Revolutionary War. Remains recovered from the Brooklyn waterfront lie in a crypt beneath the memorial. The broad staircase creates a ceremonial approach, but the column is not a public observation tower.
Beyond the memorial, this is an actively used neighborhood park rather than a formal garden. Six tennis courts, two playground areas, benches, and open lawns accommodate everything from morning exercise to weekend birthday picnics. Mature trees provide summer shade, spring brings fresh foliage and flowering trees, and autumn colors emphasize the contours of the hill. On Saturdays, the Fort Greene Park Greenmarket occupies the Washington Park street edge near Myrtle Avenue, with seasonal produce, baked goods, and other regional foods. Conservancy programming includes guided history walks, volunteer gardening, fitness activities, and cultural events.
- Prison Ship Martyrs’ Monument: A monumental Doric column above a crypt honoring Revolutionary War prisoners.
- Olmsted and Vaux landscape: Curving paths offer an alternative to the summit’s imposing staircase.
- Six tennis courts: Public courts require attention to NYC Parks permit and seasonal play rules.
- Children’s playgrounds: Two play areas make the park a practical stop for families exploring Brooklyn.
- Saturday Greenmarket: The Washington Park edge becomes a neighborhood food-shopping destination beside the lawns.
Fort Greene Park at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | DeKalb Avenue & South Portland Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Fort Greene, Brooklyn |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Sunday, 6 a.m.–1 a.m. |
| Admission / Price Range | Free admission; $; market purchases and tennis permits extra |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 45 to 90 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | G at Fulton Street; C at Lafayette Avenue; street parking, no dedicated park lot |
| Official Website & Phone | Fort Greene Park Conservancy; NYC Parks information: +1 212-639-9675 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Choose a weekday morning for a quieter monument circuit, or Saturday morning to combine the park with the market. From the G train at Fulton Street or C train at Lafayette Avenue, walk north toward DeKalb Avenue; both stations are several blocks away. DeKalb Avenue station, served by B, Q, and R trains, offers another approach from Downtown Brooklyn. Driving is less convenient: there is no dedicated visitor parking lot, and surrounding curb spaces have meters, street-cleaning restrictions, and competition from residents.
Use paved perimeter entrances for step-free access, then assess the hillside gradients before heading uphill; the monumental staircase is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible. Benches provide rest stops, and the park map identifies restroom locations. Stick to lit main paths after dark. Dogs must be leashed except during designated off-leash hours, generally before 9 a.m. and after 9 p.m.; playgrounds remain off-limits to dogs. Pair your walk with the restaurants on DeKalb Avenue, the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts on Hanson Place, or BAM’s Peter Jay Sharp Building on Lafayette Avenue, all roughly 5–15 minutes from the southern entrances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Fort Greene Park’s hours and the best visiting time?
The park opens daily from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Morning daylight is best for exploring the monument and hillside paths; Saturday mornings add the Greenmarket.
Do you need tickets or reservations?
General admission is free, with no timed-entry reservation. Check the Conservancy website for event registration; tennis follows separate NYC Parks permit rules.
How long should you spend at Fort Greene Park?
Allow 45–90 minutes for the memorial, paths, and a bench break. Budget two hours if you are adding playground time, market shopping, or a picnic.
Is the park suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, and children?
Paved paths and step-free perimeter access make parts of the park practical for wheels, but slopes and stairs complicate summit access. Families have playgrounds and lawns; keep young children close around stairways and busy park edges.
When planning your Portland travel guide or comparing verified attractions and parks in Portland, pair this stop with standout local spots including Fort Williams Park, Fort Allen Park, ROBERT, and Miss Ada (0.3 km away).
