Environment DEC
From the November 2004 issue
More than $220 Million Announced for Bronx Parks
Governor George E. Pataki and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announced that more than $220 million worth of improvements for Bronx parks will be made over the next five years. The City Council approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the state that allows the city to move forward with the construction of a water filtration plant for the Croton water supply system under the Mosholu Golf Course in Van Cortland Park. The agreement represents a rare opportunity to invest more than triple what would be spent on Bronx parks in the same amount of time.
The Parade Grounds in
Van Cortland Park are popular for
holding soccer games
and other sporting events
"This multi-million dollar investment in parks projects will give the Bronx the green space that it deserves," said Governor Pataki. "Because of this agreement, recreational facilities will be improved, new waterfront parks will be developed, and neighborhood parks and playgrounds will be renovated throughout the borough. Thanks to a shared commitment with Mayor Bloomberg, the Bronx is receiving a great investment in its parks. By working together, we will continue to provide clean and safe drinking water for the people of New York while creating new and improved park and recreational space for Bronx families."
The Bronx parks projects were identified after years of input from the community, and were finalized over the past year with the help of community groups, elected officials and Bronx residents. Projects which received focus were those that would be a challenge to fund through the capital budget. They fall into five categories and include improving neighborhood parks, renovating regional recreation facilities, developing the Bronx Greenway, improving and expanding access to the Bronx waterfront and building and "greening" the borough.
Highlights
More than 20 neighborhood parks and playgrounds will be renovated with new play equipment, comfort stations, seating areas, fencing and landscaping. Major work at Story Park will include reconstruction of a playground and comfort station. Tremont Park will receive a new seating area for seniors, as well as a hard court game area.
Recreation facilities, including ballfields, running tracks and tennis courts will be reconstructed or built throughout the borough. The Parade Grounds at Van Cortlandt Park will be reconstructed with new athletic fields, sod and drainage. Playgrounds, a track field, a senior area and a skate park will be reconstructed at Williamsbridge Oval Park.
Joggers enjoy some outdoor exercise
along a Bronx park nature trail
Waterfront parks will be developed along the Long Island Sound, East River and Harlem River. New waterfront space, including a greenway link, will be developed at Pelham Bay Park, and environmental work will include the restoration of lagoons and salt marshes at Pugsley Creek Park and Soundview Park.
Major sections of the Bronx Greenway, including the Hutchinson, Bronx River and Soundview to Ferry Point sections, will be completed. Work will include the restoration of existing parkland-improving pathways and public access to parks and the waterfront-as well as transforming underutilized property into new parkland in areas with little open space. A new pedestrian bridge over the Bronx River Parkway and the Bronx River will connect Shoelace Park and Muskrat Cove providing a major link in the Bronx River Greenway.
A comprehensive program to "green" the borough will include the creation of new greenstreets, improvement and expansion of horticultural plantings in parks and playgrounds, and the addition of street trees in under-served neighborhoods. Parks will also upgrade and expand the Bronx Greenhouse and Nursery.
The state also will establish a comprehensive urban forestry program, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the Department of Environmental Conservation. Ten million dollars will be utilized for this program, which will further the greening of the Bronx, improve air quality, reduce ambient air temperatures, and help reduce energy costs and heat "island" effect by planting thousands of trees in parks, playgrounds, streets and other targeted areas of the borough.
To achieve the potential of Roberto Clemente State Park, New York City's Bridge Park and revitalization of the Harlem River corridor, $10 million will be committed to park enhancements with another $10 million committed by the city in capital funding. Projects will restore and upgrade an important regional park, enhance and revitalize the waterfront, further link city and state parks, and kick-start the Harlem River Greenway.
