Soundview Park

Parks And US Army Corps Of Engineers Break Ground On Soundview Park Ecological Restoration

Commissioner Adrian Benepe today joined US Army Corps of Engineers Colonel John R. Boulé, Congressman Joseph Crowley, Congressman José E. Serrano, State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr., and Assembly Member Marcos Crespo to break ground on the $9.9 million restoration of the Soundview Park wetlands, lagoon, and upland forests.

“Soundview Park has long been home to great recreational amenities, from canoe launches and barbecue areas to playgrounds and ballfields,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe. “Thanks to our partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers, and support from Congress Members Crowley and Serrano, Soundview Park’s wetlands will soon be a more welcoming place for native flora and fauna, and a valuable resource for Bronxites and New Yorkers who wish to learn more about our urban ecosystem.”

"This ecosystem restoration work is a great piece of our overall restoration initiatives throughout the Hudson-Raritan Estuary and specifically in parts of the Bronx," said New York District Commander Col. John R. Boulé. "I'm glad to be working with New York City Parks to help restore this important ecosystem, but also to improve the natural recreational and educational opportunities for residents in the Bronx."

"There is no question that replenishing Soundview Park is critical from an environmental perspective, but what we are doing here today is much more than that. We are telling Bronx residents that your community and your future matter," said Rep. Crowley. "And, that's exactly why my good friend Congressman José Serrano and I worked hard to bring federal dollars back to the Bronx for this project: to help build a better Bronx for all to enjoy. I am proud to stand with Congressman Serrano, Assembly Member Crespo, the Army Corps of Engineers, New York City Parks, and the community groups who have all worked hard to make a day like today possible."

"I am gratified to be here at the launch of a project that will have such a positive environmental impact," said Congressman José E. Serrano. "Though it took many years to round up the federal funding, the local partners were quick to join forces when we did, and the result will be one of the largest restoration projects on the Bronx River in all of our years of activities. I look forward to coming to these new wetlands in the future and seeing the natural world further restored in our Borough."

The ecological restoration will include the excavation of approximately three acres immediately north of the park’s lagoon area and the creation of tidal wetlands in its place. Restoring the tidal wetland will provide habitat for birds and marine life, improve water quality and promote a healthier ecosystem. An access path with an overlook area will run along the marsh to allow for bird watching, nature walks and educational use.

Fill from the excavation will be used as part of the creation of several acres of wooded and grassland areas to the northwest of the lagoon, and two areas of existing upland forest will be cleared of invasive species and planted with native wildflowers, grasses, and trees. In total, more than 15 acres of tidal wetlands and upland forest will be restored, and 5,000 new trees will be planted. This project will take approximately one year to complete.

The $9.9 million restoration is funded with $4.5 million from the Army Corps of Engineers with Congress Members Crowley and Serrano, $2.19 million from NYS Department of State’s Clean Water Clean Air Bond Act, $2.19 million in mitigation funds from the construction of the Croton Water Filtration Plant through the NYC Department of Environmental Protection, and more than $1 million through the NYC Department of Sanitation.