The High Bridge and the Park

High Bridge, New York c. 1880
Tinted Stereoview by the New York Stereoscopic Co.

Welcome to The High Bridge -- Its Past, Present & Future website.  This site connects all interested parties on exciting developments associated with The High Bridge, Highbridge Park, and the immediately surrounding area.

We are in the process of sprucing up our site and making it more presentable.  As most of you already know, the High Bridge was reopened on June 9, 2015 after about 45 years of having been closed and years of planning and reconstruction.  The adjacent Highbridge Park is also undergoing extensive refurbishment as part of the NYCPlan 2030, and the immediate neighborhood near the Park, particularly along Amsterdam and Edgecombe avenues is starting to experience a renaissance with building renovations and new commercial ventures.
With this in mind, we are now shifting gears away from the reconstruction of The High Bridge to the other improvements that will be forthcoming.  We also recognize that there will be more visitors to the bridge, the Highbridge Park, and the surrounding areas, so we will be providing more information for those who do not have familiarity with the area and its attractions. 

At present the public funding for the improvements and redevelopment effort for the Bridge and the Park have exceeded $130 Million. On Jan. 11, 2013 Mayor Michael Bloomberg broke ground on the construction phase of the plan for the redevelopment of the High Bridge and the cost of reopening the bridge has been publicized at $61.8 Million. Just in 2016, $30 Million of additional funds have been allocated to Highbridge Park by Mayor De Blasio as part of the Anchor Park initiative.

On June 9, 2015, the official reopening ceremony of the High Bridge occurred. (Please see the specific posts for this event).  On July 25, 2015 the High Bridge Festival celebrating the reopening of the High Bridge occurred.

There are many other activities progressing simultaneously with the redevelopment of the High Bridge. This web site focuses on the developments in and immediately adjacent to The High Bridge and Highbridge Park.  Please make sure to scroll down to see previous posts on new and exciting developments.

It is our belief that with this site we can foster an appreciation of the past, an understanding of the present and a catalyst for the development of the future needs of this immediate area.

Hopefully, we will find common ground to dramatically improve the buildings, the retail establishments and the quality of life in such a way as to compliment the redevelopment effort associated with the High Bridge and High Bridge Park and make this area a destination for more of the millions of residents of New York City and some of the more than tens of millions of visitors who come to New York City each year.

Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, Sept 6, 1879

Please contact us and let us know if you have any interests in participating as a contributor, volunteer, or merely to coordinate with your community organization, or even if you are just an interested neighborhood resident. If you want to contribute to the site with any comments please feel free to do so.

Organizationally, we have been adding information to each page as it is appropriate.  You should return to pages on a regular and frequent basis to catch up on latest developments on each topic.  We have also provided for reader feedback at the bottom of each topic.

There are almost 200 posts with information and pictures on all sorts of topics. Information about the history of the High Bridge and the building of the aqueduct, articles about what is going on right now, and articles about the future changes that we all hope will come to the High Bridge, the park, and the surrounding neighborhoods. Please click on the Area of Interest on the right and a whole host of topics will present themselves. Or, you may scroll through the archive of articles on the right to find and article of interest to you. Or, you may also search by keyword in the box provided at the right above the archive listings. Or, you may just scroll down and look at the articles in chronological order going backward in time.

 If you are experiencing any difficulty using our site please let us know.

Please subscribe to our newsletter.


last modified 7/28/2015

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An Homage to the High Bridge at 175 years by Duane Bailey-Castro for Untapped New York

If you press the start button for the above Vimeo video you will see Duane Baily-Castro's short time lapse celebration video to the 175th Anniversary of the Aqueduct High Bridge here in New York City which will be going on this month. This video is part of a very good article in Untapped New York: HOW TO CELEBRATE THE 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HIGH BRIDGE, NYC’S OLDEST SPAN. Just click on the link here and you will find it.

HAPPY 175 !!!!!

The number 175 seems to be a very important number up in Washington Heights this week.

First of all, today is the celebration of the 175th anniversary of the High Bridge.  It was on July 4, 1848, that the opening of the High Bridge was celebrated. That was a very different time and the High Bridge looked very different at that time.  

There was no steel span over the Harlem River as you see the bridge today. Rather, it was the stone arches that continued across the river. It wasn't until the 1920s that a number of the stone arches were removed in order to allow for improved navigation on the Harlem River for maritime traffic.

Also, there were only two tubes for water to cross the river on the bridge.  The third tube which sits on top of and between the first two tubes wasn't added until the 1860s.  It was at that time that the stone walls on the edge of the bridge were incorporated into the bed to carry the new water line.  Upon completion of the third line, the brick herringbone pattern on the deck and the railings were installed.

In addition to the High Bridge celebration this week, we are also honored to host the Tony Awards at the Palace Theater at the corner of Broadway and 175th Street on Sunday, June 11.  There is excitement in the air.  Workers are sprucing up Broadway in the area and there are hopes that this will lead to a revival of the area as a destination for both New Yorkers and the millions of visitors that come to New York each year.

We, of course, are hoping that the visitors will stroll along Broadway and down 175th Street to Highbridge Park and continue their stroll across the Highbridge and take in the magnificent views.

"The High Bridge" Lithograph by D. Buchner & Co.

 

Recently discovered Trading Card issued by D. Buchner & Co. as part of the promotion of its chewing tobacco products, from series N287, entitled New York City Scenes, dated ca. 1888. Produced by Gust Lithography & Engraving Co., New York lithographers, on card stock.  Size 4" x 2 1/2" 

The Highbridge Silver Mining Company

 I ran across this Silver Mining Company Certificate recently.   It bears no relationship, I think, to the Highbridge, which is the subject of interest of this blog.  However, I did find some curious points that I have yet to explain.

First, the Highbridge Silver Mining Company of Nevada was organized in the State of New York in1868. Curiously, both the President and the Secretary of the Company were also located in New York State.  Of further interest is the fact that the Highbridge Mine was located near Manhattan, Nevada, which is located in Nye County.

The mine was only active for a short period of time and is not currently producing any output.

Was this connection of the Mine to the Highbridge in Manhattan, NY coincidental, or, was it motivated by the owners residing in New York?

I think we will be waiting a long time to find the answer to this question.

Invitation to the Ribbon Cutting Cerimony of the Restoration of the Highbridge Water Tower

Activities at Highbridge Park October 15 -- November 15, 2021

Dear Friends of Highbridge Park, Happy Autumn! We hope you are enjoying the recently reopened areas of Laurel Hill Terrace that were restored as part of the $30M Highbridge Anchor Parks Project; the 100 year old staircase at Laurel Hill and 183rd Street as well as the restored mid-level forest pathway heading north from there to Wallenberg Playground. TONIGHT at 7 p.m. is the last night of the Highbridge Film Festival! Join NYC Parks for a block party at 4 p.m. on the Highbridge Pooldeck, followed by a 7 p.m. screening of IN THE HEIGHTS, which had amazing scenes filmed within the pool. More details are in the flyer, attached. There are an abundance of fitness programs, stewardship events and opportunities for you to learn and grow at Highbridge Park; including free membership to the Highbridge Recreation Center! See below for a full listing: Highbridge Park October 15 – November 15, 2021 Events Starting Monday, September 13, recreation centers across the five boroughs reopened to all New Yorkers — members and non-members — for free. Free memberships are available to New Yorkers who sign up at Highbridge Recreation Center at 2301 Amsterdam/173rd, now through December 31, 2021. The membership term will last for one year from the date the individual signs up, and will grant access to citywide facilities. Ongoing Highbridge Recreation Center Programs: Open Pickleball Play Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue Free open Pickleball play at Highbridge Recreation Center with membership. Instructional Pickleball Play Saturdays 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue Free open Pickleball play at Highbridge Recreation Center with membership. Sit & Stretch Tuesdays and Thursdays 12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Youth Sports Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Open Play Adult Basketball Mornings Wednesdays & Fridays 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Open Play Adult Basketball Mornings Thursdays 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Open Play Adult Basketball Mornings Saturdays 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Open Play Adult Basketball Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Open Play Adult Basketball Fridays 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Teen Calisthenics Tuesdays 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Adult Calisthenics Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays 6:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Calisthenics for All Saturdays 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 emPOWERred Walking Wednesdays & Thursdays 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Total Body Conditioning Wednesday & Friday 12:30 p.m.–1:30 p.m. Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Teen Fitness Wednesdays 3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m. Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Youth Baseball Saturdays 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Teen Baseball Wednesdays @ 4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Fridays @4:00 pm- 6:00 pm Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Teen Lounge Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 4:00 pm- 5:00 pm Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Abs Blast Wednesdays and Thursdays 5:00 pm- 6:00 pm Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Teen Dodgeball Saturdays 1:00 - 3:00 pm Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Media Lab Schedule All Ages Open Access (Mornings) Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Saturdays 9:00 am - 2:30 pm Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 All Ages Open Access (Afternoons) Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm Wednesdays & Fridays 2:30 pm - 7:30 pm Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Digital Media Club Tuesdays and Thursdays 2:30 - 6:00 pm Highbridge Recreation Center -2301 Amsterdam Avenue For more information call 212-927-2400 Highbridge Park Programs Zumba Sundays: October 17, October 24, and October 31 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. Highbridge's Raoul Wallenberg Basketball Courts W. 189th St. & Amsterdam Ave. Zumba is a fusion of Latin, International and popular music dance routines creating a dynamic, exciting, effective fitness system! If you love Salsa, Hip-Hop, Merengue, and Bollywood, this is the class for you! The class will meet at the basketball court near 189th and Amsterdam Avenue. For everyone’s safety we’re asking participants and instructors to maintain social distancing of six feet during class. Wash your hands frequently and stay home if you’re sick. Please continue wear a mask if you are unvaccinated, or if social distancing cannot be maintained. Instructor: Jennifer Please register at: https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2021/10/17/zumba1 (October 17) https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2021/10/24/zumba1 (October 24) https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/2021/10/31/zumba1 (October 31) Highbridge Film Festival: In the Heights Friday, October 15, 2021 4:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m. Highbridge Pool Deck -2301 Amsterdam Avenue Join NYC Parks and the New York City Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment for a free film! A film version of the Broadway musical in which Usnavi, a sympathetic New York bodega owner, saves every penny every day as he imagines and sings about a better life. PG-13. Grab a blanket and snuggle up for this year’s Fall Film Festival at High bridge Pool Deck. NYC Parks will host a series of movie screenings accompanied by fun and exciting activities fit for the whole family. Check what will happen on Friday: October 15, 2021 4:00 p.m. // Block Party 7:00 p.m. // In the Heights Know Before You Go - For everyone's safety, we are asking all participants to observe the following guidelines: Please wear a mask if you are unvaccinated, or if it makes you feel more comfortable All individuals should maintain social distancing of six feet during programming, regardless of vaccination status Please wear a mask if social distancing cannot be maintained Wash your hands before attending a program Stay home if you are sick Glass bottles and alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited. Contact (212) 360-1430 or accessibility@parks.nyc.gov for more information regarding accessibility. Fall Foliage Walk in Highbridge Park Saturday, October 23, 2021 10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Highbridge Park -158th Street and Amsterdam Avenue Mid to late October is the prime time for fall color in NYC, so don’t miss it! Come join urban naturalist Ken Chaya to observe the natural splendors of the autumn season. This tour will focus on local tree identification, as well as searching for birds and other forms of local flora and fauna in Highbridge Park. Tour capacity is limited. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fall-foliage-walk-in-highbridge-park-tickets-168975021839 Program presented by the Fort Tryon Park Trust Second Saturdays Trailwork Party + Bike Share at Highbridge Bike Park Saturday, November 13, 2021 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Highbridge Park: BMX Jump Park – Fort. George Ave Dig, then ride with us on NYCMTB's monthly welcome days at Highbridge Park in Manhattan! Bring your friends and family for a day of fun in the woods and learn what it takes to build, maintain, and ride the most progressive urban bike park in America! There will be light trail maintenance tasks for all ages from 10:00 a.m. to noon. All participants, NYCMTB members, or anyone with logged volunteer hours, receive a free 20-minute clinic and a guided ride throughout the trails from 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Bikes and helmets provided! Highbridge Park is the home of NYC's first Mountain Biking Course. The 3-mile course offers trails of varying difficulty from intermediate to expert and a free-ride trail that includes drops, steeps, and berms. The park also features a dirt jump park and pump track, making it a good place to develop different skills at all levels. The course has been featured in national media and is stewarded by volunteers just like you! Make this day your introduction to the park, or to the sport of off-road cycling. Interested volunteers are encouraged to participate regardless of age, ability or gender. There is something for everyone at Highbridge - It's NYC's bike park! Please bring water, sunscreen, bug repellant, and sturdy shoes or boots. Register on Eventbrite at www.nycmtb.eventbrite.com

Highbridge Pool, In The Heights, Volunteer at the Mansion SUNDAY 6/6 & More!

Dear Highbridge Park Community, 

It feels like summer and there is much to celebrate! More than $35 Million in city capital improvements are nearing completion in Highbridge Park. We've opened a brand new soccer field, a world class playground, an adult work-out area, and pathways improved with lighting. We look forward to the restored Grand Staircase at Laurel Hill Terrace and the mile long pathway improvements down to Dyckman Street, which will be completed later this summer. The restoration of the Highbridge Water Tower is progressing, with some of the uppermost scaffolding having been removed. Get gardening! 

Sunday June 6 at 10 a.m., you can volunteer at Roger Morris Park, Highbridge Park's sister-park, at 65 Jumel Terrace. More details about our Garden Day event and other upcoming volunteer opportunities are listed below. 

At the end of the month, Highbridge Pool is slated to reopen to the public for summer swimming! The COVID-testing center has transitioned out of the Recreation Center and pool into mobile vans. Highbridge Pool is one of the "stars" in the soon to be released In the Heights movie. Check out the recent Playbill feature, and the slide show including many Highbridge Pool photos! The article shares the film's stars' reflections on how the show has evolved since its inception in the early 2000’s, what it meant for the film to be delayed because of the pandemic, and how Highbridge Park Pool was selected for “96,000.”

https://www.playbill.com/article/watch-anthony-ramos-daphne-rubin-vega-more-go-behind-the-scenes-of-the-in-the-heights-movie 

As part of the film's release, the City's tourism agency, NYC & Co, developed a travel guide to Northern Manhattan, including Highbridge Park among other parks, restaurants and uptown destinations. You can view it here: 

https://www.nycgo.com/boroughs-neighborhoods/manhattan/washington-heights/ 

Upcoming Opportunities: 

Roger Morris Park - Garden Volunteer Day 

Sunday, June 6, 2021 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Roger Morris Park- 65 Jumel Terrace 

Whether you have a green thumb or just a curiosity for what makes a garden grow, all are welcome to volunteer in Roger Morris Park, the grounds of the Morris-Jumel Mansion, under the supervision of NYC Parks at these scheduled Garden Days. 

All tools and instructions are provided, just bring a willingness to get a little dirty as we beautify our special park. Close-toed shoes are required. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Please note: RSVP by emailing John.Kelly@parks.nyc.gov and write "Volunteer" in the subject line. Due to COVID, we are requesting individuals only, rather than large groups or organizations. 

Second Saturdays Trailwork Party + Bike Share at Highbridge Bike Park Highbridge Park 

Saturday, June 12, 2021 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. 

BMX Course at Fort George Avenue 

Dig, then ride with us on NYCMTB's monthly welcome days at Highbridge Park in Manhattan! 

Bring your friends and family for a day of fun in the woods and learn what it takes to build, maintain, and ride the most progressive urban bike park in America! There will be light trail maintenance tasks for all ages from 10:00 a.m. to noon. All participants, NYCMTB members, or anyone with logged volunteer hours, receive a free 20-minute clinic and a guided ride throughout the trails from 12:30 p.m to 3:00 p.m. Bikes and helmets provided! 

Highbridge Park is the home of NYC's first Mountain Biking Course. The 3-mile course offers trails of varying difficulty from intermediate to expert and a free-ride trail that includes drops, steeps, and berms. The park also features a dirt jump park and pump track, making it a good place to develop different skills at all levels. The course has been featured in national media and is stewarded by volunteers just like you! 

Make this day your introduction to the park, or to the sport of off-road cycling. Interested volunteers are encouraged to participate regardless of age, ability or gender. There is something for everyone at Highbridge - It's NYC's bike park! Please bring water, sunscreen, bug repellant, and sturdy shoes or boots. Register on Eventbrite at nycmtb.eventbrite.com. 

Monday Morning Pitch-In at Highbridge Park 

Monday, June 21 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

Highbridge Recreation Center 

2301 Amsterdam Avenue 

Show your park some love and join a Monday Morning Pitch-In! 

New York City’s parks are being used more than ever before as a result of the pandemic, which often means more litter. You can help! Join us at a Monday Morning Pitch in and beautify Highbridge Park so its clean and welcoming! Remember to wear a face covering when volunteering. You can also pitch-in at Highbridge Park on August 2. Flyer attached. Register at: https://www.nycgovparks.org/reg/pfp-private/11229. For any questions, contact Rene.Cuenca@parks.nyc.gov 

***** 

Thank you for your continued partnership in the ongoing revitalization of our 130-acre Highbridge Park! Hope to see you in the park soon!

best, 

Jennifer Hoppa for the Northern Manhattan Parks Team

Retrospective of the High Bridge Five Years After Reopening in Photos

Photo of the High Bridge by Duane Bailey-Castro

We are very fortunate, indeed, to have another set of photos by Duane

Bailey-Castro. An article has just appeared in Untapped New York with his

dazzling display of new photos. Bravo!  It is hard to imagine that it has been 

five years since the reopening ceremonies back in the summer of 2015.

155th St. and Edgecombe Ave, Washington Heights

  

        

Above, Troger's Restaurant, which was located on the south side of 155th St. at Edgecombe Ave. touted itself as the coolest place in Washington Heights.  It was located over by the Speedway near the High Bridge.  It was built in 1898 and they eventually had seating for 500 patrons.  We have no record of when they closed.

Above, Harlem River Drive at West 155 St., Washington Heights. Published in Leslie's Weekly in 1900.

Opening day of the "Speedway," Edgecombe Ave at W 155 St. along the Harlem River, what would become Harlem River Driveway. In the right lower corner is The Polo Grounds III stadium also known as Brotherhood Park where the New York Giants played before moving to San Francisco. The area above the stadium was and is still known as Coogan's Bluff or Coogan's Hollow. 

How Harlem River Speedway Became Harlem River Drive. 

Before it was called the Harlem River Drive, the parkway running north and south along the west bank of the Harlem River was called the Harlem River Speedway. Construction began in 1894, and the speedway opened in July of 1898. 

It stretched from 155th St. to Dyckman Street in Inwood. At first, use of the speedway was restricted to equestrians and carriage drivers. This pleased the wealthy, who worried that sharing the road with other vehicles would ruin their good time.  In advance of the speedway’s opening, a New York Times headline from May 15, 1898 announced: “No Danger that Bicyclists Will Mar the Horsemen’s Sport on the Speedway. THEY ARE EXCLUDED BY LAW.” The speedway became a tourist destination where people could watch horse and boat races, visit Highbridge and Fort George Amusement Park, and enjoy the scenery along the Harlem River.  Some New Yorkers were unhappy that tax dollars were used to build an exclusionary road. As Charles C. Sargent, Jr., noted in his article “A Horseman’s Paradise” in the November 1898 issue of Munsey’s Magazine, “For the men – a few hundred at most – who own fast horses and want to ‘try them out,’ the sapient rulers of New York have spent in making the Speedway money that would have built thirty school houses, and would have provided twice over for the twenty five thousand children turned away last September from the overcrowded primary schools of the metropolis.”

It was not until 1919 that the Harlem River Speedway was opened to motorists. Three years later, it was paved.