Brooklyn's waterfront is set to roll back into motion this spring as the Pier 2 roller skating rink reopens for its 12th season on March 27, ushering in a lively mix of music, movement and community along the East River. Located within Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 2 has long been a hub for recreation, but the return of its open-air roller rink signals the start of the season and an influx of outdoor activities for families.
There is a strong temptation to stay indoors when the world freezes. But out there in the cold, and especially after snowfall, the brown bones of gardens are suddenly emphasized, outlined in white. Visiting gardens in winter, when leaves and flowers belong to dreams of spring, allows us the thrill of anticipation, the pure pleasure of comparison, and an appreciation of structure, adding layers of understanding to our experience. It also tests our plant identification skills.