Leif Ericson Park

Why was a park in Brooklyn named after a Viking explorer? Leif Ericson Park, a unique corridor park in Bay Ridge, stretches between Ridge Boulevard and Fort Hamilton Parkway. It’s a testament to the area’s rich Scandinavian heritage. Leif Ericson, son of Erik the Red, likely landed in North America around 1000 AD, predating Columbus by nearly 500 years. Scandinavians flocked to Bay Ridge and Sunset Park in the 1800s, becoming a significant part of the community. In the 1930s, the city acquired land between 4th Avenue and Fort Hamilton Parkway. Robert Moses spearheaded its development into a unified park. It was named Leif Ericson Square, honoring the Norse heritage. Today, Leif Ericson Park is a vibrant space. The park’s eastern end at Fort Hamilton Parkway boasts magnificent signs with a Viking theme. A replica of a Viking rune stone, dedicated by Crown Prince Olav of Norway in 1939, stands near 4th Avenue. The stone, a replica of one from Tune, Norway, reminds us of the ancient Norse tradition of honoring heroes. A bronze plaque on the stone depicts Ericson with his ship. The plaque commemorates his discovery of Vinland, where his crew found wild grapes. While the park bears Ericson’s name, its sections cater to various activities. Each block offers something different. The park’s design reflects Robert Moses’ preference for active recreation. He envisioned spaces for sports and playgrounds, a contrast to the passive parks of the past. Leif Ericson Park embodies a blend of history and recreation. It represents the enduring legacy of the Scandinavian community in Bay Ridge.