Parks Department Delivers Highbridge Park History Stroll

On Sunday, July 31, 2016 from 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. New York Parks & Rec will sponsor a guided tour of Highbridge Park stressing its long and interesting history.

Named after New York City’s oldest bridge, Highbridge Park is home to an unusual geologic makeup and an early engineering marvel that greet visitors who stroll the pathways north and south. Let the Urban Park Rangers guide you through the park as these stories are told. 

Location 

165th Street and Edgecombe Ave in Highbridge Park

Cost

Free  

Event Organizer

Urban Park Rangers

Contact Number

(212) 628-2345

A Trend Toward Landscaped Pedestrian Bridges

Proposed London Garden Bridge to be completed in 2018
The Telegraph

The Telegraph of London reported in May that the design for the controversial London Garden Bridge which will span the Thames River from the Inner Temple to the cultural centre of the Southbank will contain five different landscape zones.  The bridge, due to open in 2018, was designed by Thomas Heatherwick with the garden designed by Dan Pearson.

Artist Rendition of the London Garden Bridge
The Telegraph

Similarly,The Dirt, the publication of the American Society of Landscape Architects, reported in an article by Jared Green that the landscape architecture firm OLIN and architecture firm OMA were announced as the winners of a national design competition to create a 900-foot-long bridge park spanning the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C.

                        

11th Street Bridge Park / Images by OLIN and OMA

Also of note, Taylor Cullity Lethlean reported in 2014 on The Landscape Architects Network that "the Adelaide Riverbank Pedestrian Bridge in Australia is proving that a bridge can also be a destination. Sweeping gracefully from the Dunstan Playhouse and Adelaide Oval across the Torrens River to the city, the bridge is an elegant solution for connecting Adelaide’s arc of waterfront parkland. Completed in March 2014, the $40 million bridge takes the first step toward bringing life back to the unique and picturesque riverbank precinct."

Photo Credit: Adelaide Riverbank Pedestrian Bridge, by Taylor Cullity Lethlean

New York City has taken the big step of restoring The High Bridge crossing the Harlem River. Look at it in the picture below in comparison to the other landscaped pedestrian bridges.

copyright Roy Levit 2015

Is this the pedestrian bridge you want?

The High Bridge in New York City is under the administration of the Parks & Recreation Department of NYC.  So, why isn't it landscaped at all like other Parks and Recreation facilities in the City?  Even The High Line in downtown Manhattan, which is also an elevated structure has become very popular as a landscaped pedestrian park.  It is a destination. Visitors come from all over the world to see it and spend some time there absorbing the naturalistic elements provided by the space. 

High Line, New York

Visitors coming to The High Bridge will walk over it to the other side, they will stop for a few moments while on the bridge and take a look at the commanding vista of the Harlem River Valley, the New York Skyline, or even the panoramic view of Highbridge Park, but they do not find it a place to stay for a while.  There is no shade of a tree to protect them from the mid day summer sun beating down on them.  The benches are totally without a context to make the pedestrian feel invited to sit down. The bridge itself other than its own architectural grace and history is sterile.

Adding landscape elements such as trees, shrubs and other plant material in containers placed upon the deck of the bridge would not do a disservice to its history or detract from its architecture.  Rather, they would accentuate what the bridge was originally intended for: bringing the much needed sustenance of water to a city that needs it for both its citizenry and vegetation to live and grow.  Most commercial public spaces include landscaping as part of the design to bring warmth to the setting.

Think of what The High Bridge could be.  Please express your desire for The High Bridge to be truly brought into the Park system of New York with the addition of appropriate landscaping.  As we commented in our post on mayor de Blassio's lack of interest in the parks on July 16, this would be a great way for him to start showing that he really cares about the parks and the residents of the city by providing quality space for recreational activities outdoors.

New Public Art Exhibition in Highbridge Park Coordinated with the Opening of the High Bridge

According to Visual Arts News Desk, "NYC Parks will host a public art exhibition of contemporary sculpture...'Consider the Chair' will be on view through November 8, 2015 in Highbridge Park located in northern Manhattan. The sculptures will be placed along the esplanade leading up to the High Bridge, which opened to the public on June 9, 2015.

This exhibition is sponsored by the New York Foundation for the Arts and the Rockaway Artist Alliance.  Art is provided by 14 Sculptors, a group of professional artists, who have been actively exhibiting throughout the metropolitan area, creating a forum for experimental sculpture and principally installation artworks free from the constraints of a commercial viewpoint.   This non-profit tax exempt organization has been functioning under the auspices of the New York Foundation for the Arts for the past 42 years.

NYC Parks' Art in the Parks program has consistently fostered the creation and installation of temporary public art in parks throughout the five boroughs.  Since 1967, collaborations with arts organizations and artists have produced hundreds of public art projects in New York City parks.  For more information visit www.nyc.gov/parks/art."

Juan Bosch Plaza in High Bridge Park

Juan Bosch Plaza At Highbridge Park

This post is a reprint from a November 18, 2011 press release as part of New York City's Parks & Recreation Department..  

Friday, November 18, 2011
No. 89
http://www.nyc.gov/parks 

On Thursday, November 17, 2011 Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe joined City Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, State Senator Adriano Espaillat, State Assembly Member Guillermo Linares, Alternative Ambassador of the Dominican Republic Mission to the UN Frank Cotorreal, President of the Fundacion Profesor Juan Bosch USA Santos Acevedo, and Chair of the Community Board 12 Parks Committee Elizabeth Lorris Ritter to break ground on the $500,000 redesign of Highbridge Park’s Juan Bosch Plaza. At the beginning of the event, Orlando de la Mota sang “La Gaviota,” which was written by Professor Juan Bosch.

“Parks not only provide New Yorkers with places to recreate, they also honor leaders who help shape our society,” said Commissioner Benepe. “Professor Juan Bosch was an author, political leader, social analyst, and fervent advocate of democratic values in the Dominican Republic and surrounding region. His contributions to literature made him a mentor for writers around the world. We are honored to name and construct a new seating plaza in a unique garden setting with stunning views of the Harlem River after Professor Bosch. Through his quotes, inscribed in the plaza, future generations will benefit from his wisdom and inspiration.”

“I have worked together with all of the Northern Manhattan leaders to make our parks a priority. We have to continue to look at projects like this to preserve and improve the large amount of green space within our community,” said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez. “As one of the most progressive thinkers and politicians we have ever had, Juan Bosch would be proud of the work being done in Highbridge Park to create this new space where neighbors can come together and enjoy the beauty of Northern Manhattan.”

“Northern Manhattan is surrounded by parks, and to have invested over $100 million into Highbridge Park represents a renaissance for Northern Manhattan,” said State Senator Adriano Espaillat. “The parks are a real resource for our families, and I'm privileged to have been able to work together with all of the leaders in our community to make the Plaza Juan Bosch a reality.”

“Having this plaza named after Professor Juan Bosch is a tribute to his legacy and contribution as a political leader and educator,” said Assembly Member Guillermo Linares. “It is an honor for the Dominican community to have this plaza named after this Dominican leader in the heart of Washington Heights. This certainly reflects the great contribution the Dominican community has made to this country. This tribute serves to promote Professor Juan Bosch legacy to current and future generations.”

The creation of Juan Bosch Plaza in Highbridge Park commemorates the writing of Juan Bosch (1909-2001), the prolific author and freely elected president of the Dominican Republic in 1962.

The project was conceived by the Fundacion Profesor Juan Bosch to create a public gathering space that honors Juan Bosch and provides a venue for readings, music, poetry, and an opportunity for reflection. The design by Laura Drawbaugh includes captions from Juan Bosch's writings in both English and Spanish, new seating, plantings, and lighting.

The $500,000 project was funded by the NYC Council, and complements recent improvements at the nearby Wallenberg Playground, including a refurbished comfort station and refurbished sports courts by Parks & Courts of Dreams.

This project is part of nearly $100 million that has been invested in recent years for upgrades to Highbridge Park, which include the upcoming restoration and reopening of the 1848 landmark High Bridge, the reconstruction of the Brush Stairway which descends down to the former location of the Polo Grounds, the creation of the City’s first mountain biking course, renovations of baseball fields, basketball courts, interior paths, and much more.

CONTACT: Vickie Karp / Phil Abramson (212) 360-1311

On Friday, June 28, 2013, the newly constructed Juan Bosch Plaza was dedicated. See this article for more information on the ceremony. Also, below is a reprint of a press release by the Parks Department on the opening cerimonies.

NYC Parks Cuts The Ribbon On Juan Bosch Plaza At Highbridge Park

Friday, June 28, 2013

NYC Parks Manhattan Borough Commissioner William Castro today joined City Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, State Senator Adriano Espaillat, Assembly Member Gabriela Rosa, Dominican Republic Consul General Felix A. Martinez, President of Fundacion Professor Juan Bosch USA Santos Acevedo, and members of Juan Bosch’s family including his daughter Carolina Bosch, to cut the ribbon on the redesign of Highbridge Park’s Juan Bosch Plaza. The event also featured a vocal performance of Juan Bosch’s “La Gaviota,” by Jennifer Pion.

“Just in time for the summer season, we are pleased to open a brand new outdoor seating area at Highbridge Park,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Veronica M. White. “Professor Juan Bosch was a fervent advocate of democratic values and his contributions to literature made him a mentor for writers around the world. We are honored to name and construct a new seating plaza in a unique garden setting after Professor Bosch. Through his quotes, inscribed in the plaza, future generations will benefit from his wisdom and inspiration. Special thanks to the City Council for allocating the funds to make this important project happen.”

The creation of Juan Bosch Plaza in Highbridge Park commemorates the writing of Juan Bosch (1909-2001), the prolific author and freely elected president of the Dominican Republic in 1962.

The project was conceived by the Fundacion Profesor Juan Bosch to create a public gathering space that honors Juan Bosch and provides a venue for readings, music, poetry, and an opportunity for reflection. The design by NYC Parks Landscape Architect Laura Drawbaugh includes extracts from Juan Bosch's writings in both English and Spanish, new seating, plantings, and lighting.

The enhancements were funded with capital allocations of $500,000 from the New York City Council and $350,000 from Mayor Bloomberg

This project is part of nearly $100 million that has been invested in recent years for upgrades to Highbridge Park, which include the restoration of the 1848 landmark High Bridge, the creation of the City’s first mountain biking course, renovations of baseball fields, basketball courts, interior paths, and much more.

CONTACT: Arthur Pincus / Phil Abramson (212) 360-1311

The Manhattan Times wrote a beautiful article on the dedication in their July 19, 2013 issue. Please see it here.

last modified 7/11/13

NYC Parks issues Report: Natural Area Mapping and Inventory of Highbridge Park

The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation has issued its final report for the the Environmental Protection Funds for the Hudson River Estuary Grant Program for the Highbridge Park.  To see the complete report please click here.

Here is the Table of Contents, which should give you a good indication of the scope of the report:

Natural Area Mapping and Inventory of Highbridge Park: Final Report for

Environmental Protection Funds from the Hudson River Estuary Grant Program

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.......................................... 1

SECTION I: 

HIGHBRIDGE PARK............................................ 3

Introduction .............................................. 3

Area History............................................... 3

Entitation ................................................ 5

Management Recommendations................................. 6

Conclusion................................................. 8

SECTION II: ENTITATION PRODUCTS ........................... 9

Map of Units—Upper Section................................. 9

Map of Units—Lower Section................................ 10

Unit Descriptions......................................... 11

SECTION III: APPENDICES.................................. 116

APPENDIX I: GLOSSARY..................................... 116

APPENDIX II: SPECIES LIST................................ 118

Trees ................................................... 118

Shrubs................................................... 119

Herbs.................................................... 120

Vines ................................................... 121

Non-Flowering Plants..................................... 122

APPENDIX III: ADDITIONAL MAPS............................ 123

Cover Type—Upper Section................................. 123

Cover Type—Lower Section................................. 124

Hydrology—Upper Section.................................. 125

Hydrology—Lower Section.................................. 126

Important Bird Areas—Upper Section....................... 127

Important Bird Areas—Lower Section....................... 128

Distribution of Ash Species—Upper Section................ 129

Distribution of Ash Species—Lower Section................ 130

Distribution of Elm Species—Upper Section................ 131

Distribution of Elm Speces—Lower Section ................ 132

Distribution of Oak Species and Norway Maple—Upper Section133

Distribution of Oak Speces and Norway Maple—Lower Section.134

Distribution of City-Rare Species—Upper Section.......... 135

Erosion Management—Upper Section......................... 136

Erosion Management—Lower Section......................... 137

Distribution of Invasive Species—Upper Section .......... 138

Distribution of Invasive Species—Lower Section .......... 139

Distribution of Oriental Bittersweet—Upper Section....... 140

Distribution of Oriental Bittersweet—Lower Section....... 141

Evidence of Illegal Activity—Upper Section............... 142

Evidence of Illegal Activity—Lower Section............... 143

APPENDIX IV: CONTRIBUTORS ............................... 144

APPENDIX V: ENTITATION MANUAL............................ 145

Highbridge Park, Bronx to be improved for a cost of $500,000 to $1,000,000

Today, October 17, 2014, the NYC Parks and Recreation Department issued a status report on the l restoration of the Highbridge step street and surrounding landscape. The park is located in the Bronx at the Eastern end of the High Bridge that connects Washington Heights with the Bronx. The project is to be completed by June, 2015.