Bridge Park (Bronx)
| Bridge Park | |
|---|---|
 Southern end of the park | |
 | |
| Type | Urban park |
| Location | Morris Heights and Highbridge, Bronx, New York City |
| Area | 7.16 acres (2.90 ha) |
| Opened | 2015 |
| Operated by | NYC Parks |
Bridge Park is a park in the Bronx, New York, created as part of a larger vision of creating connected waterfront parks along both sides of the Harlem River. The park's name references three large arch bridges linking Manhattan and the Bronx: Alexander Hamilton Bridge, Washington Bridge, and High Bridge.
History
Land for this park was gradually acquired by the
Located on a narrow property between the water's edge and the Metro-North Railroad's Hudson Line, the park is located on a site that was originally an illegal dump and a dog pound.[2][3] The area was difficult to access, and undeveloped until the City decided to develop unused waterfronts as linear parks connecting distant neighborhoods and providing opportunities to launch canoes and learn about wildlife living in Harlem River.[4] In May 2015, the 0.5-mile (0.80 km) strip along the Bronx side of Harlem River opened to the public as Bridge Park.[5] Bridge Park connects to Roberto Clemente State Park to its north.
Current status
The master plan for Bridge Park includes passive and active recreational facilities and educational structures including a boathouse and canoe launch at the water's edge; a greenhouse, garden and picnic grove further inland, as well as a performance space and bike trails. Bridge Park's development is ongoing with community input on its design and acquisition of land to connect it with other parks on the Harlem River shoreline.
References
- ^ "Washington (Heights) Bridge". New York Area Roads, Crossings and Exits. Retrieved January 20, 2016.
- ^ Kensinger, Nathan (September 25, 2014). "New York's Once-Neglected Harlem River Experiences a Rebirth". Curbed NY. Retrieved January 20, 2016.
- ^ "ALONG HARLEM RIVER from the Stadium to Inwood". Forgotten New York. November 2011. Retrieved January 20, 2016.
- ^ Foderaro, Lisa W. (October 22, 2013). "Harlem River, Cut Off From Public, Is Getting a Push Out of Isolation". The New York Times. Retrieved January 20, 2016.
- ^ Conde, Ed García (May 28, 2015). "Bridge Park Officially Opens in The Bronx Adding Another Along The Harlem River". Welcome2TheBronx. Retrieved January 20, 2016.