New York’s Sidewalk Fish Pond: The Bed-Stuy Aquarium Captivates Locals and Social Media Alike
In the heart of central Brooklyn, an unexpected phenomenon has taken hold. On a street corner in the Bedford-Stuyvesant (Bed-Stuy) neighborhood, what started as a puddle in the sidewalk has blossomed into a charming fish pond. Known as the Bed-Stuy Aquarium, this tiny, makeshift pond is captivating neighbors and attracting attention on social media, where it has become a viral sensation.
The Bed-Stuy Aquarium is a small sidewalk square, transformed from an unsightly sidewalk pit into a whimsical aquatic world. The pond is now home to about 60 small goldfish, and its presence has sparked joy in a community more familiar with the hustle and bustle of New York City than with peaceful water features.
The Birth of the Bed-Stuy Fish Pond
The story of the Bed-Stuy fish pond began in August 2024. Initially, the puddle on the sidewalk was nothing more than an inconvenience, a gap in the pavement that filled with muddy water after rain. Floyd Washington, a local repairman who works at a grocery store across the street, decided that something needed to change. He and a few other neighbors came up with an unconventional idea: why not transform the unsightly pit into something beautiful?
Washington and his neighbors bought goldfish from a nearby pet store and introduced them to the pond. A steady stream of water from a nearby fire hydrant helped keep the water fresh, and soon enough, the Bed-Stuy Aquarium was born.
“I’d say we are breaking scientific ground and putting new things in the almanac by doing this,” Washington told USA TODAY, capturing the sense of playful creativity that led to the pond’s creation.
A Neighborhood Icon
Within weeks, the Bed-Stuy Aquarium had become a beloved feature of the neighborhood. Orange and orange-and-black goldfish dart around in the few inches of water, creating a serene yet unexpected scene. Locals stop by daily to watch the fish, take photos, and admire the beauty that has emerged from such humble beginnings.
“We had a crazy idea, and it blossomed into something bringing people together,” Washington said. For many, the pond is a respite from the noise and chaos of the city, offering a peaceful spot to gather and reflect. Residents have placed benches on either side of the pond, and the area has been decorated with flowers, signs, and even a tiny fence to protect the fish from harm.
Joe Howard, a singer who’s lived in New York for 30 years, was inspired by the pond’s charm. “I like the color, and I like the stories,” he said, comparing the pond’s aesthetics to old seaport towns and hinting that the goldfish might even inspire some of his future songs.
A Viral Sensation
The Bed-Stuy Aquarium quickly gained popularity on social media, where videos of the fish swimming in their sidewalk pond have attracted millions of views. TikTok users marveled at the quirky, feel-good story of how a small neighborhood project brought people together. But as the pond gained attention, it also attracted critics.
Some residents have complained about the leaky fire hydrant that keeps the pond’s water fresh. The New York City Fire Department received complaints about the water flow, and firemen have shut off the hydrant’s drip multiple times. Deputy Commissioner Jim Long explained that hydrants are not meant to run indefinitely, as doing so could affect water pressure during emergencies.
Despite this, Washington and his team of creators remain determined to keep the pond going. “We’re just doing it out of the kindness of our hearts,” he said, explaining that the project has brought joy to so many people in the neighborhood.
Challenges and Setbacks
Like any community project, the Bed-Stuy Aquarium has faced its share of challenges. Vandals attempted to destroy the pond in late August, filling it with debris and causing the death of a few fish. Undeterred, Washington and his neighbors quickly restored the pond and launched a GoFundMe campaign, raising $3,000. The funds supported a backpack giveaway over Labor Day weekend, where local kids received new school supplies and even adopted goldfish from the pond.
Washington acknowledges that the pond is not without its risks. As the weather turns colder, there are concerns about how the fish will fare in the coming months. Washington and his team hope to apply for a city permit to keep the pond open year-round. If that’s not possible, they plan to relocate the fish to a warm, safe environment for the winter, with the goal of reopening the Bed-Stuy Aquarium in spring 2025.
An Oasis in the City
For many Brooklyn residents, the Bed-Stuy Aquarium has become a symbol of community spirit and a reminder that even in the most unexpected places, beauty can emerge. Locals like Hara Limansah, who works at a nearby hospital, have made visiting the pond a part of their daily routine. “It’s an oasis in a city that can be very ugly,” Limansah said, reflecting on how the pond provides a moment of calm in an otherwise chaotic world.
Similarly, film director Sharik Atkinson visits the pond regularly, finding that it helps ground her amidst the stresses of daily life. “It’s a good way to start my day, just seeing the life that can happen by chance,” she said.
Parents like Charlotte Dunn have also embraced the pond’s magic, bringing their young children to marvel at the fish swimming in the sidewalk. For Dunn’s 15-month-old son, the sight of the goldfish is mesmerizing, and the pond has quickly become a favorite stop on their evening walks.
The Future of the Bed-Stuy Aquarium
As summer fades into fall, the future of the Bed-Stuy Aquarium remains uncertain. Washington and his neighbors are hopeful that the city will allow them to keep the pond open, but they are prepared to take steps to protect the fish if necessary. Whether the pond continues through the winter or returns in the spring, one thing is certain: the Bed-Stuy Aquarium has made a lasting impact on the community.
“It’s such a beautiful thing that is so community-led,” Atkinson said, expressing the sentiment shared by so many residents who have found joy in the pond’s simple, yet profound, existence. In a city where people often rush past one another without a second glance, the Bed-Stuy Aquarium has given neighbors a reason to stop, connect, and appreciate the unexpected beauty that can flourish in the most unlikely places.
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