Highbridge Park

The Daily Plant : Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Parks Breaks Ground On Juan Bosch Plaza At Highbridge Park

Photo by Daniel Avila

On Thursday, November 17, Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe joined City Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, State Senator Adriano Espaillat, State Assembly Member Guillermo Linares, Alternative Ambassador of the Dominican Republic Mission to the UN Frank Cotorreal, President of the Fundacion Profesor Juan Bosch USA Santos Acevedo, and Chair of the Community Board 12 Parks Committee Elizabeth Lorris Ritter to break ground on the $500,000 redesign of Highbridge Park’s Juan Bosch Plaza. At the beginning of the event, Orlando de la Mota sang “La Gaviota,” which was written by Professor Juan Bosch.

The creation of Juan Bosch Plaza in Highbridge Park commemorates the writing of Juan Bosch (1909-2001), the prolific author and freely elected president of the Dominican Republic in 1962.

The project was conceived by the Fundacion Profesor Juan Bosch to create a public gathering space that honors Juan Bosch and provides a venue for readings, music, poetry, and an opportunity for reflection. The design by Laura Drawbaugh includes captions from Juan Bosch's writings in both English and Spanish, new seating, plantings, and lighting.

The $500,000 project was funded by the NYC Council, and complements recent improvements at the nearby Wallenberg Playground, including a refurbished comfort station and refurbished sports courts by Parks & Courts of Dreams.

This project is part of nearly $100 million that has been invested in recent years for upgrades to Highbridge Park, which include the upcoming restoration and reopening of the 1848 landmark High Bridge, the reconstruction of the Brush Stairway which descends down to the former location of the Polo Grounds, the creation of the City’s first mountain biking course, renovations of baseball fields, basketball courts, interior paths, and much more.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

“When a thing has been said and well, have no scruple. Take it and copy it.”

Anatole France
(1844 - 1924)

Know Before You Go

Highbridge Recreation Center