Being able to swim loops along the 1.5-mile span between the pier, bordered by the iconic Coney Island Parachute Jump to the west and the beginning of the Esplanade to the east, means swimmers can make a quick exit from the water if necessary.

WSJ: Brighton Beach: Brookyln's Swimming Mecca

The current trend in moving zoning away from shaping big buildings toward how buildings and places are used and perform can already be seen at the recently opened East River Esplanade, where a balustrade as wide as a lunch counter and bar stools are mandated.

WSJ: Zoning Laws Grow Up | By Julie V. Iovine

Cruise east through the Esplanade, a green masterpiece designed by Frederick Law Olmsted.

BBC: A perfect day in Boston