2024-11-02 01:12:00
NEW YORK (AP) — A city pond in New York City that once had goldfish swimming under a leaky fire hydrant has been replaced with a new temporary pond, days after officials first paved the fire hydrant due to safety concerns. replace.
Diligent Brooklynites used waterproof paint, bathroom tiles, concrete blocks and gravel to create a new urban pond in a tree pit next to a now-restored fire hydrant.
About 40 goldfish swam Friday afternoon in a new environment built Wednesday that features brightly colored fake plants, rocks and other aquarium decorations.
Pedro Zambrana, a 29-year-old tourist living in Barcelona, was one of dozens of people who stopped to look at him and take photos.
“It’s awesome,” he said, noting that visiting this quirky place in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood was at the top of his list during his weeklong stay in the city.
Devang Shah, one of the local residents who helps manage the pond, said volunteers soon hope to equip it with a solar-powered filtration system to replace the current battery-powered filtration system.
He added that they also need to buy a heating system before winter arrives and hope to host a live broadcast so fans around the world can witness the moment.
The so-called Bed-Stuy Aquarium appears on Google Maps and has its own Instagram and TikTok accounts, managed by Shah and other residents.
But the 44-year-old architect laments that the pond is easier to manage when it’s beneath a fire hydrant. He explained that the leak provides a constant source of fresh water, so a filtration system is not actually needed.
“They seem happier there,” Shah said, pointing to the fire hydrant now surrounded by a raw concrete slab.
Passers-by watched intently as Shah scattered fish food into the water, cleared fallen leaves and measured the quality of the liquid.
Shah said this is the fourth time the temporary pond has been reborn. Some residents were then encouraged to fill it with store-bought goldfish.
People concerned about the health of the fish organized a “rescue” over the summer, but determined residents repopulated the pond and began monitoring the site.
The venue becomes increasingly sophisticated with painted benches, chairs and decorations.
There’s even a sign affixed to the tree that mimics the official New York City Parks Department plaque that reads: “BedStuy Aquarium.”
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This story was translated from English by AP editors with the help of generated artificial intelligence tools.
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**Interview with Pedro Zambrana: A Tourist’s Perspective on Brooklyn’s Fire Hydrant Aquarium**
**Editor:** Welcome, Pedro! It’s great to have you here. You recently visited the newly reimagined fire hydrant aquarium in Brooklyn. Can you share what drew you to this unique attraction?
**Pedro Zambrana:** Thank you! It’s a pleasure to be here. I stumbled upon this quirky spot right before my trip. I saw it online and was fascinated by the idea of an aquarium in a fire hydrant. It just seemed so out-of-the-box and creative, something that only Brooklyn could pull off!
**Editor:** The fire hydrant used to house goldfish before it was replaced for safety reasons. What was your reaction when you first saw the new setup with the goldfish swimming in the tree pit?
**Pedro Zambrana:** When I got there, I couldn’t believe my eyes! It was vibrant and lively, with bright decorations and the fish gliding around. It felt like a little hidden gem in the middle of the city. I loved how the community came together to create a new home for the fish—it really shows the spirit of Brooklyn!
**Editor:** There has been some controversy surrounding the original fire hydrant aquarium, especially from groups like PETA. What are your thoughts on the concerns regarding animal welfare?
**Pedro Zambrana:** That’s a valid concern. Ultimately, the well-being of the fish is important. I think the new setup is a good compromise. At least the goldfish now have a safe and more natural environment. Urban art can be fun, but it should never come at the cost of animals suffering.
**Editor:** Absolutely. Have you noticed other unique projects or art installations in Brooklyn during your stay?
**Pedro Zambrana:** Definitely! Brooklyn is full of surprises. From street art to pop-up gardens, there’s always something creative happening here. It’s a place where art and community intersect, and that’s what makes it special.
**Editor:** One last question, Pedro. Would you recommend visiting this fire hydrant aquarium to other tourists?
**Pedro Zambrana:** Absolutely! It’s a fun and quirky experience that embodies the creativity of Brooklyn. Plus, it’s a great spot to take photos and share with friends back home. Just make sure to respect the space and the creatures living there!
**Editor:** Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Pedro! Enjoy the rest of your visit in New York City!
**Pedro Zambrana:** Thank you for having me! I’m excited to explore more!
