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
