As part of the development, FCRC will transform portions of the exposed rail yards into publicly accessible open space that everyone can enjoy. 

Renowned landscape architect Laurie Olin (Bryant Park and Battery Park designer) has designed an 8-acre open space plan (5,300K slideshow) with places for people to play basketball and bocce, to stroll or simply to sit, including water features, a tree-lined promenade and an acre of sunny lawn. 

This open space will help connect the four surrounding communities that are now separated by the exposed rail yards. The project plan extends the north-south street grid throughout the site from Atlantic Avenue to Pacific and Dean streets. The open space will provide visitors and residents alike with a perfect spot for sunbathing, reading, walking, playing chess, eating lunch, exercising, or simply sitting and relaxing.

Inviting from any adjacent street, the open space will include plazas at either end to connect to Vanderbilt Avenue and Pacific Street. Available to everyone, the open space will enhance the experience for residents of Atlantic Yards, its neighboring communities and other visitors.

Within the network of walkways and paths will exist a variety of recreational amenities such as basketball and bocce courts, playgrounds and other activity areas. A leafy canopy of various indigenous trees and vegetation, linked together by a beautiful line of willow trees known as Willow Walk, will enhance and enliven the area.