Why use wood? Why not replace the Promenade boardwalk with another material?
Although other materials have been explored for the Promenade, wood is truly unique in its environmental, aesthetic, engineering qualities. Wood feels special under the feet, to the touch and the eye – not to mention that wood is the material chosen by John A. Roebling and his son, Washington, in their original design. Wood is also one of the planet’s few truly renewable building materials. It literally “grows on trees” and as it grows it sequesters carbon and produces oxygen. If it is harvested responsibly, wood can bring all of these benefits to our biosphere while providing one of the most beautiful and durable materials ever known. Furthermore, using a material other than wood such as synthetics or resin-based products will likely require that the promenade structure be re-engineered and rebuilt. This will be very costly and may violate the National Historic Landmark status of the Brooklyn Bridge. Using the original hardwood material will avoid this and ensure that the authenticity
