PIER 1 is the largest of the park piers at 9.5 acres and the only pier that is built on landfill rather than on pile-supported structure. This strong foundation provides the base for a new topography including a hill at the center of the pier which provides sweeping views of the New York Harbor and the Brooklyn Bridge.
Pier 1 includes two large lawns, Bridge View Lawn and Harbor View Lawn, a playground at the northern edge with play equipment for younger children, a waterfront promenade, and a series of tree-lined pathways that provide a varied waterfront experience. The Granite Prospect is a dramatic set of steps built from granite stones salvaged from the Roosevelt Island Bridge reconstruction along the western edge of the pier. Over 500 mature trees are planted on Pier 1 including Kentucky Coffees, Catalpas, Magnolias, Lindens, Sweetgums, Serviceberries, London Planes, and various species of Oaks.
A salt marsh at the southern edge of Pier 1, planted with native plant life and nestled within a salvaged granite seating area, provides a unique opportunity to experience the tidal river, and a boat ramp at the southern edge of Pier 1 provides access for non-motorized watercraft.
The water gardens at Pier 1 create a dramatic display of water-loving plants along the main park promenade, including shrubs like highbush blueberry, swamp rose, serviceberry, and swamp azalea, and perennials like rose mallow, marsh marigolds, milkweed, and a variety of irises, goldenrods, and ferns. In addition to the value they bring to the experience of the park, these gardens are the visible component of the rainwater collection and treatment that is one of many ecologically positive site systems that support Brooklyn Bridge Park. 
Throughout this area of the park, excess stormwater will be collected from building roofs, paved areas and lawns. As the water passes through each segment of the water garden, pollutants and sediment are removed. When the water reaches the lowest section at the southern end of Pier 1, it is drained back into the underground tank and ultimately used as irrigation for the entire Pier 1 landscape. Based on the size of the tanks and the annual cycles of wet and dry seasons, it is estimated that the water that has been collected on site will supply 70% of Pier 1 yearly irrigation needs.
A future component of Pier 1 is the provision of a pedestrian bridge from Squibb Park, located to the north of the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. This bridge will allow direct pedestrian access from Brookyn Heights to the Pier 1 uplands.
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