Starlight Park
Starlight Park | |
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Bx11, Bx36 |
Previously known as Exposition Park (during the 1918 | |
Opened | 1918 |
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Closed | 1937 |
Theme | Amusement park |
Starlight Park is a public park located along the Bronx River in the Bronx in New York City. Starlight Park stands on the site of an amusement park of the same name that operated in the first half of the 20th century.[1][2]
The amusement park was originally built for the
The northeastern part of the amusement park became the
History
Amusement park
Early years
The site had originally contained the estate of politician
The rebranded Starlight Park opened in 1920. Throughout that year Starlight Park's operators added several attractions and concessions, including shooting galleries, games of chance, and a dark ride through an exhibit of "grottos and other worldly sights".[8] The park continued to add attractions and events for the 1921 season, including a baseball field, several shows, and a kid's club.[9] Further additions in 1922 included a sound system by the pool area; a program of movies broadcast from a projector; and rides such as electric riding cars, the Gyroplane, and the Maelstrom. Numerous promotional events were also held that year, including a Film Players Club fundraiser, a singing contest, and a "Surprise Week" featuring a different performance each day of the week.[10]
Lawsuit and incidents
In December 1920 the Bronx Expositions Corporation was the subject of a breach of contract lawsuit filed by Exposition Catering,[11] which at the time was one of the largest lawsuits filed in the entertainment industry.[8] According to the lawsuit, the Expositions Corporation had failed to uphold a contract to build an elaborate entrance, a convention center, and a permanent exposition, and had instead erected "a cheap amusement park" because of their mismanagement of money.[9][11] The outcome of the lawsuit was unknown.[9] During this time, several other lawsuits were filed against the park because of numerous incidents which resulted in injuries.[9]
In 1922, there were two accidents that damaged the park's reputation.[12] On May 21, a rider decided to stand up on the roller coaster as it rounded a curve, fell off, and was killed. The operator applied the emergency brake, injuring six other riders.[12][13] That November, Starlight Park's large Exposition Hall was destroyed in a fire, and the park's Ferris wheel and scenic railway were also badly damaged. Two smaller dance halls replaced the Exposition Hall.[12] Furthermore, the park in general was susceptible to fire because most of the buildings were flammable wooden structures. A thunderstorm on June 23, 1922, burned down several structures.[12][14]
There were several other incidents that brought negative attention to Starlight Park. For instance, throughout the park's operation, there were numerous drownings in the pool area.[12] Additionally, over two hundred bathers' items were stolen during a mass robbery in 1925.[12][15] The following year, a boxer died in a match at Starlight Park.[16] A circus performer died in 1930 after falling 40 feet (12 m) from a high wire.[17]
Later years and closure
The park was at its largest in 1926 when it had 150 concessions and 26 rides.
On August 8, 1932, a large section of Starlight Park was destroyed in a fire that started under the now-abandoned roller coaster and spread to numerous concessions. Fifteen thousand guests saw the fire, which was said to be started by several young boys.[17][22][23] In the aftermath of the fire, the Coliseum was the largest remaining attraction and continued to keep the park profitable. Several political rallies, including those of the Communist Party USA, were held at the Coliseum. However, Starlight Park also continued to make a profit from the swimming pool, picnic areas, and sporting fields.[17] Furthermore, in 1933, Starlight Park's manager added several recreational facilities in order to keep the park solvent. By this time, it was no longer envisioned as an amusement park.[17]
By 1940, Starlight Park was bankrupt, and a portion of the park and Coliseum were sold at auction.
Conversion to city park
A city park, operated by the
In the 1990s, after Youth Ministries had made the state aware of pollution on the Bronx River, the New York state government started to clean up the river. Cleanup efforts were delayed when chemicals from an old gas plant at the site were discovered in 2003. As part of the plan to clean up the pollution, the
In 2017, an expansion of the new Starlight Park was announced. As part of this expansion, parts of the park would undergo environmental cleanups. The Phase 2 project would also connect Starlight Park to Concrete Plant Park south of Westchester Avenue via new bridges across the Bronx River and the Northeast Corridor.[33] This coincided with another plan to downgrade Sheridan Expressway to a street-level boulevard so that the surrounding community could more easily access Starlight Park.[36] At the time, the park was only accessible via the East 174th Street bridge that crosses both the expressway and the Bronx River. The project was undertaken to improve pedestrian safety and increase access to both Starlight Park and the Bronx River shoreline.[37][38] The project to downgrade the Sheridan Expressway began in late 2018[39][40] and was completed in December 2019.[41] Contractors renovated the park during the early 2020s.[42] Following a $41 million renovation, NYC Parks opened an 2.7-acre (11,000 m2) section of the park in April 2023.[43][44]
Current attractions
Current recreational facilities in Starlight Park include four
Former attractions
Rides
Starlight Park amusement park featured fireworks displays, a roller coaster, a swimming pool, and carnival games of skill and chance.[6] The initial attractions were built for the Bronx International Exposition. The swimming pool was marketed as the world's largest saltwater pool, measuring 300 by 350 feet (91 by 107 m) with a capacity of 2,500,000 U.S. gallons (9,500,000 L), and ranging from 0 to 10 feet (0.0 to 3.0 m) deep. The pool contained diving boards and a wave pool machine at the deep end, as well as a 50-by-55-foot (15 by 17 m) beach with sand brought from Rockaway, Queens.[47]: 536 [48] The fair also contained a scenic ridable miniature railway on the Bronx River, a "mountain" exhibit with a 65-foot-tall (20 m) waterfall, and a hotel nearby.[47]: 536–537 LaMarcus Adna Thompson built a wooden roller coaster at the site,[48] which featured a dual track.[49] The Eli Bridge Company's Ferris wheel from the Panama–California Exposition was brought over to the Bronx World's Fair.[48] Other attractions included a bathing pavilion that could fit 4,500 people; a convention center; and 15 large pavilions, including Chinese and North Sea-themed pavilions, as well as those for fine arts, liberal arts, and American achievements.[48][50]
At the end of the 1918 Exposition, the "exhibition hall" became an
Other attractions
One of the park's most popular attractions was the submarine
The 15,000-seat Bronx Coliseum was also located in Starlight Park, and was opened in 1929.[20][21] It was the home field of the New York Giants soccer team, but also featured numerous other sporting events as well as circuses.[51] The Coliseum also held events when Madison Square Garden in Manhattan was already hosting another event. The stadium was originally built for the 1926 Sesquicentennial Exposition in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was transported to 177th Street and Devoe Avenue in 1928.[17] It came to be called the New York Coliseum, which had no relation to the building with the same name that was later built at Columbus Circle in Manhattan.[51]
Other structures
The amusement park was also home of the studios of
Events
The first summer music festival in Starlight Park was hosted in 1921 when the
Semiprofessional sports teams would compete at Starlight Park's baseball field, added in 1921.[9] Events such as baseball and soccer games, boxing matches, horseshoe throwing, and track and field competitions also drew crowds to Starlight Park.[19] One such match in October 1926 resulted in the death of boxer Joseph Geraghty; his opponent was later cleared of any wrongdoing.[16] After the Coliseum opened in 1929, these events were moved to the stadium.[17]
Children were also able to join a club called the Kiddie Klub, which entitled the member to several designated free-admission days at numerous amusement parks in New York City. Prospective members had to clip three coupons from different newspapers in exchange for a membership pin.[49] The first Kiddie Klub day on July 13, 1921, saw over 20,000 children.[49][57] The following year, there was a miscommunication about the Kiddie Klub event. On July 12, 1922, the Kiddie Klub free day had been held at Coney Island's Luna Park, but about 50 children showed up at Starlight Park instead.[10] The actual Kiddie Klub day at Starlight Park was held two weeks later.[10][58]
Vaudeville acts and high diving performances were other popular events hosted in Starlight Park.[9] Toward the late 1920s, in the park's attempt to bring back patrons, more tawdry shows began performing at Starlight Park.[18]
See also
- History of the Bronx
- List of amusement parks
- List of New York City parks
References
- ^ .
- ISBN 978-0-813-52863-2. Retrieved December 30, 2012 – via Google Books.)
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link - ^ "The Bronx World's Fair of 1918: the failure which became a magical park". The Bowery Boys: New York City History. September 13, 2016. Archived from the original on September 27, 2019. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
- ^ from the original on October 15, 2019. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
- ^ a b Gottlock & Gottlock 2013, p. 92.
- ^ .
- ^ ISBN 978-1-62585-490-2. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
- ^ a b c d Gottlock & Gottlock 2013, p. 95.
- ^ a b c d e f Gottlock & Gottlock 2013, p. 96.
- ^ a b c Gottlock & Gottlock 2013, p. 98.
- ^ from the original on October 16, 2019. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
- ^ a b c d e f g Gottlock & Gottlock 2013, p. 99.
- from the original on October 16, 2019. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
- from the original on October 16, 2019. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
- from the original on October 16, 2019. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
- ^ from the original on October 16, 2019. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Gottlock & Gottlock 2013, p. 104.
- ^ a b c Gottlock & Gottlock 2013, p. 105.
- ^ a b c d e f Gottlock & Gottlock 2013, pp. 100–101.
- ^ a b Gottlock & Gottlock 2013, p. 103.
- ^ from the original on October 16, 2019. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
- from the original on October 16, 2019. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
- ^ "Boys Start Blaze in Starlight Park". New York Daily News. August 8, 1932. p. 75. Retrieved October 16, 2019 – via newspapers.com .
- from the original on October 16, 2019. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
- ^ a b Valentino, Elisa (July 12, 2018). "WEEKDAY MAGAZINE – Starlight Park: A Century of Bronx History – Part 2". This Is The Bronx. Archived from the original on August 8, 2018. Retrieved August 8, 2018.
- ^ "Fire Damages Bronx Bathhouse". New York Evening World. July 18, 1946. p. 11. Retrieved October 16, 2019 – via newspapers.com .
- ^ a b Gottlock & Gottlock 2013, p. 106.
- from the original on October 16, 2019. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
- ^ a b "Starlight Park: History". New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. Archived from the original on February 20, 2017. Retrieved February 19, 2017.
- ^ "Chapter 2: Greenway Route from South to North" (PDF). Bronx River Greenway Strategic Plan. Bronx River Alliance. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 20, 2017. Retrieved February 19, 2017.
- ^ "Photo Report on Progress of Cross Bronx Expressway" (PDF). New York Post. April 30, 1950. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 24, 2022. Retrieved February 27, 2017 – via Fultonhistory.com.
- ^ a b Wall, Patrick (May 13, 2013). "Starlight Park Officially Reopens, But Remains Disconnected to Greenway". DNAinfo New York. Archived from the original on August 7, 2018. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ a b c Wirsing, Robert (May 12, 2017). "Starlight Park will undergo a major transformation as part of the $40 million Bronx River Greenway project". Bronx Times. Archived from the original on August 7, 2018. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ "Starlight Park Opens With A Community Celebration, On Land And On Water". Starlight Park News. NYC Parks. May 10, 2013. Archived from the original on August 7, 2018. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ Stapinski, Helene (July 10, 2016). "The Greenest Building in the South Bronx". The New York Times. Archived from the original on August 8, 2018. Retrieved August 8, 2018.
- ^ Sheridan Blvd Overall Plan. governor.ny.gov. New York State Department of Transportation. 2017. Archived from the original on July 2, 2017. Retrieved November 10, 2017.
- ^ McGeehan, Patrick (March 19, 2017). "Cuomo Plots Demise of Bronx's Unloved Sheridan Expressway". The New York Times. Archived from the original on November 11, 2017. Retrieved November 11, 2017.
- ^ Durkin, Erin (March 19, 2017). "Cuomo announces Sheridan Expressway to be demolished in favor of pedestrian boulevard in the Bronx". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on November 11, 2017. Retrieved November 11, 2017.
- ^ Rivoli, Dan (September 19, 2018). "Feds pave way to transform the Bronx's Sheridan Expressway". New York Daily News. Archived from the original on September 19, 2018. Retrieved September 20, 2018.
- ^ Walker, Ameena (September 20, 2018). "Bronx's Sheridan Expressway overhaul gets federal approval". Curbed NY. Archived from the original on October 16, 2019. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
- ^ Barone, Vincent (December 11, 2019). "State finishes Sheridan Boulevard conversion to boost Bronx River waterfront access". www.amny.com. Archived from the original on January 31, 2023. Retrieved December 12, 2019.
- ^ a b Yensi, Amy (July 14, 2022). "Residents hope to preserve Starlight Park, an 'oasis in the Bronx'". Spectrum News NY1 New York City. Archived from the original on July 14, 2022. Retrieved May 4, 2023.
- ^ Golata, Justine (May 1, 2023). "NYC Parks Unveils A $41 Million Greenspace In The Bronx". Secret NYC. Retrieved May 4, 2023.
- ^ "NYC Parks, NYC DDC, and Partners Officially Open $41 Million Major Greenspace Expansion in Starlight Park in the Bronx". New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. April 28, 2023. Retrieved May 4, 2023.
- ^ "Field and Court Usage Report for Starlight Park : NYC Parks". www.nycgovparks.org. Archived from the original on July 21, 2022. Retrieved November 3, 2019.
- ^ "Starlight Park Kayak/Canoe Launch Sites : NYC Parks". www.nycgovparks.org. Archived from the original on October 4, 2022. Retrieved November 3, 2019.
- ^ a b Making of America Project; Nature Publishing Group (1918). Scientific American. Library of American civilization. Munn & Company. pp. 524–525, 536–538. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
- ^ a b c d Gottlock & Gottlock 2013, p. 93.
- ^ a b c Gottlock & Gottlock 2013, p. 97.
- ^ "The Bronx International Exhibition". New-York Tribune. October 14, 1917. pp. 6–7. Retrieved October 2, 2019 – via The Library of Congress.
- ^ .
- OCLC 908685721.
- ISBN 0-87000-439-5.)
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link - from the original on August 8, 2018. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
- from the original on October 16, 2019. Retrieved October 16, 2019.
- ^ Dunford, Judith (August 13, 1995). "Remembrances of a War's End – The Real Starlight Park" (letter to editor). The New York Times. Retrieved December 30, 2012.
- ^ "20,000 Members of Kiddie Klub Merry at Outing". New York Evening World. July 13, 1921. pp. 1, 2 – via newspapers.com .
- ^ "Last Call for Starlight Park All Aboard for the Kiddie Klub". New York Evening World. July 25, 1922. p. 12. Retrieved October 16, 2019 – via newspapers.com .
- Gottlock, Barbara; Gottlock, Wesley (2013). Lost Amusement Parks of New York City: Beyond Coney Island. Lost. Arcadia Publishing. ISBN 978-1-62584-556-6.
External links
- "Starlight Park Highlights : NYC Parks". New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. June 20, 1952. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- Starlight Amusement Park at the Roller Coaster DataBase