Nolan Park Grilling Area, New York, NY

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers craving an authentic, scenic outdoor grilling experience without having to leave the city, the Nolan Park Grilling Area offers an exceptional urban escape. While the address provided—35 Barry Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11231—is an administrative point within the Brooklyn Navy Yard area, it is important for local residents to know that the actual grilling area is located on Governors Island. This historical island, nestled in New York Harbor, is easily accessible and provides a unique backdrop for a family picnic or group barbecue, all while offering unparalleled views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty.

Nolan Park itself is a bucolic, four-acre manicured green space on Governors Island, renowned for its historic, bright yellow, former military officer houses. The dedicated grilling stations are a featured amenity within the park, allowing visitors to enjoy the pleasure of cooking outdoors, a rare luxury within the confines of New York City. The atmosphere is relaxed, communal, and highly sought-after, making advance planning a necessity for any local seeking this quintessential summer activity. The focus here is on a contained, safe, and regulated grilling environment, perfect for making those cherished weekend memories with friends and family.

Location and Accessibility

The Nolan Park Grilling Area is located on Governors Island. It is crucial for New York users to understand the journey to this unique spot, as the island is a car-free oasis accessible only by ferry.

The easiest way for Brooklyn locals to reach the island is via the ferry service.

Ferry Access for Brooklyn Residents: Direct ferry service is available from Pier 6 in Brooklyn Bridge Park, a short walk or subway ride from most parts of Downtown Brooklyn, Carroll Gardens, and Cobble Hill. Additional service is also available from Manhattan (Lower Manhattan's Battery Maritime Building).
On-Island Travel to Nolan Park: Once you arrive on Governors Island, Nolan Park is located on the northeastern side. It is a very short and pleasant walk from the ferry landing. The island is entirely pedestrian and bicycle-friendly, ensuring a relaxed, car-free environment once you step off the ferry. The short distance to Nolan Park makes transporting your grilling supplies manageable.
Administrative Address Note: The address 35 Barry Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11231, refers to a building within the general vicinity of the Governors Island Trust operations, but visitors must travel to Governors Island itself to utilize the grilling area.

Governors Island and, by extension, the Nolan Park area, is typically open to the public from May through October, and sometimes extends into November, allowing New Yorkers to maximize the warmer months for outdoor activities.

Services Offered

The Nolan Park Grilling Area provides a highly valued, structured service for local New York City residents looking to host an outdoor cookout. This is not a traditional, primitive campground, but a premium urban outdoor amenity.

Charcoal Grill Rental: Reservations secure a designated, two-foot-diameter charcoal grill for the entire day. Unlike many NYC Parks where grills are first-come, first-served, the reserved nature of these grills guarantees your spot.
Picnic Tables: Each reservation includes the use of up to two adjacent picnic tables, providing ample seating and food prep space for a small group gathering or family meal.
Full-Day Reservation: Grills are reserved for the full day the island is open, allowing for maximum flexibility for New York families and groups planning a comprehensive day trip.
Exclusive Designated Grilling Area: Grilling is strictly prohibited in most other areas of Governors Island, making the Nolan Park and Picnic Point locations the only authorized spots to enjoy a cookout.
Nearby Amenities: Restrooms and general park facilities are easily accessible near Nolan Park, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.

Important Note on Supplies: Users are responsible for bringing all their own grilling supplies, including charcoal, lighter fluid, food, and utensils. Propane grills are prohibited, and a non-refundable reservation fee is charged 48 hours before the start of the booking.

Features / Highlights

The allure of grilling at Nolan Park lies in its combination of convenience, historical charm, and breathtaking views—a unique trifecta only found in New York Harbor.

Historic Park Setting: Nolan Park is a picturesque green with historic trees and surrounded by the distinctive Colonial-style houses, which often host cultural and artistic exhibitions during the open season. Grilling here means dining in a beautifully preserved, peaceful environment.
Guaranteed Grilling Spot: Given the high demand for grilling in New York City's public spaces, the ability to reserve a specific grill station online provides immense peace of mind and convenience for planning a successful outing.
Stunning Skyline Views: While grilling, visitors are just steps away from some of the best panoramic views of Lower Manhattan, the Brooklyn waterfront, and the Statue of Liberty, transforming a simple meal into a spectacular event.
A Car-Free Environment: Governors Island is a refreshing break from the noise and traffic of Brooklyn and Manhattan. The car-free setting is ideal for families with children, offering a safe, quiet, and expansive space for kids to play after the meal.
Proximity to Island Attractions: After lunch, groups can easily explore the rest of Governors Island, including The Hills, Hammock Grove, the art exhibits in Colonels Row, and numerous other recreational activities and art installations.

Contact Information

Since the grilling area is a service on Governors Island, contact information is managed through the Governors Island Trust. The provided Brooklyn address is an administrative point, and reservations are handled online.

Address (Administrative): 35 Barry Rd, Brooklyn, NY 11231, USA

Phone (General Inquiry/Reservations Support): It is advised to check the official Governors Island website for the most up-to-date phone number for reservations and general inquiries, as the provided number may be a specific office line. However, the most reliable administrative phone number for the organization that oversees the island is generally accessible via their main website. For general inquiries, the Governors Island main line is often the best starting point.

Online Reservations: Grill reservations must be made in advance through the official Governors Island website, where you can select your date and specific grill station at Nolan Park.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New York residents, the Nolan Park Grilling Area is perfectly suited for a local day trip because it solves a major urban challenge: the lack of dedicated, reservable outdoor cooking space. For Brooklyn and Manhattan families, the short, scenic ferry ride transforms a typical weekend outing into a mini-vacation. You can plan a group event with certainty, knowing your grill and picnic tables are reserved, eliminating the stress of rushing to claim a public spot.

It is an ideal spot for celebrating birthdays, hosting family reunions, or simply enjoying a peaceful Sunday cookout with a skyline view that only New York can offer. By providing a clean, beautiful, and historic setting right in the harbor, Nolan Park allows New Yorkers to connect with nature, history, and each other, all while enjoying the simple pleasure of an open-air barbecue, making it an essential, high-quality amenity in the city's vast recreational landscape. It is the accessible, reservable, and highly scenic grilling spot that local users have been searching for, promising a unique and memorable outing just minutes from the hustle of the five boroughs.