University Woods

What was here before?
This forested area on a steep slope overlooking the Harlem River commands an impressive view of Upper Manhattan, as well as a glimpse of the Hudson River and New Jersey Palisades. During the American Revolution, the site proved strategically important for British forces in their efforts to maintain control of New York City. Several small forts lined the river and formed part of the British stronghold. British Fort #8 occupied the crest of the ridge now known as University Woods.

How did this site become a playground?
The park was acquired by condemnation in 1899 and named University Park by the Board of Aldermen. The original design included a restroom, tool shed, and pipe rail fencing. Long diagonal paths traversed the steep ridge, and a stairway led up the northern boundary to the university. In 1935 Parks landscape architect Gilmore D. Clarke added pathways and an overlook to the gorge of the Harlem River. An additional half-acre was acquired in 1950, expanding the park to its present size.

How did this playground get its name?
University Woods and the surrounding neighborhood are named for the prominent campus formerly occupied by New York University. In 1892 the undergraduate college was moved from Greenwich Village to the quiet, rural community of Fordham Heights, later renamed University Heights. School trustees commissioned architect Stanford White of McKim, Mead and White to design “an academical village” suitable to the stately institution. Classical and Renaissance-inspired buildings, including the library, research center, and university residence, distinguished the landscape.

After NYU decided to concentrate its campus in Greenwich Village, the entire site was sold to the City in 1973 and has been the campus for Bronx Community College, part of the City University of New York ever since.