I'm with you! The Promenade in the Heights is also a nice place to check out the sights. Cab is good but cheaper alternative you can take the Airtrain to Howard Beach Station and take the A subway to Jay St/Borough Hall and walk down Montague St. to the Promenade or get off next stop High St/Bklyn Br and walk up Old Fulton St. to the park entrance. Grab a cone at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory or a great pizza at Grimaldi's.
I'm with you! The Promenade