River Avenue Parks

Parks Cuts The Ribbon On River Avenue Pocket Parks

Today, Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe joined Congressman José Serrano, State Senator José M. Serrano, Assembly Member Carmen Arroyo, Council Members Melissa Mark-Viverito, Maria del Carmen Arroyo, and Helen Diane Foster, Wilhelm Ronda of the Bronx Borough President’s Office, and Pastor Wenzell Jackson to celebrate the construction of the River Avenue Parks, which consist of a skate plaza and pocket playground. The creation of these parks was funded by $6 million from the City of New York as part of the City’s plan to develop parkland and new recreational facilities in association with the construction of the new Yankee Stadium.

“Thanks to $6 million in funding from the Yankee Stadium redevelopment program, there’s a brand new place to go rolling on River Avenue,” said Commissioner Benepe. “The skate plaza on the south, and playground on the north are two examples of the city’s commitment to expanding fitness and recreation opportunities in the South Bronx.”

Located on what was formerly a parking lot, the concrete skate plaza on the southern side was designed with input from the skateboarding community and features half-pipes, ramps, stairs, rails, ledges, benches, banks, gaps and transitioned elements in a plaza setting. It also includes a small seating area surrounded by green space. River Avenue is one of city’s first skate parks to use traditional New York City Parks materials, and references elements from the city’s past and present.

The playground on the northern side of 157th Street, which was also formerly a parking lot, features play equipment, spray showers, lighting, benches, a drinking fountain, and landscaping. Passing subway trains activate the spray showers and lights.

In total, the City has invested approximately $195 million to build new parks and recreation facilities surrounding the stadium through the redevelopment program. Other projects already completed are Mill Pond Park, including the renovation of the historic Power House Building, the Joseph Yancey Track & Field at Macombs Dam Park, new ballfields at PS 29 and the West Bronx Recreation Center, and improvements and additions to Mullaly Park. Work is currently ongoing to make improvements to Ruppert Plaza and to construct the three ballfields that comprise Heritage Field.