2.7 acres of formerly paved, industrial property have been transformed into a beautiful greenspace with added greenway connections for New Yorkers to enjoy at Starlight Park. This $41 million makeover was officially opened on Friday, April 28, 2023.
Starlight Park Expansion Project Officially Launched
Starlight Park is located beside the Bronx River and alongside the Sheridan Expressway. The 13-acre park is part of the Bronx River Greenway. It connects to the Bronx Park in the north and Concrete Plant Park, Hunts Point Riverside Park, and Barretto Point Park to the south.
As part of the Starlight Park expansion project, an important link to the Bronx River Greenway has been created and two new bridges have been built to connect the east and west sides of the river to the new greenspaces and amenities.
Some of the new features that have been introduced at Starlight Park in the Bronx include paths, landscaping, sitting areas, and a dog run.
With the completion of the Starlight Park expansion project, the park’s ballfields, playgrounds, boat launch, and the Bronx River House, a community educational facility and boat house are now connected. In recent decades, the Bronx River has been rebounding in health thanks to a unique partnership between city, state, and non-profit entities like the Bronx River Alliance.
Creating Greenspace for the Bronx
This project continues that work by completing extensive shoreline re-naturalization and wetlands work. Significant stormwater management features have also been added.
“The Starlight Park expansion marks an important step in filling in the Bronx River Greenway. DOT is working closely with Parks, EDC, and stakeholders to help fill in remaining gaps along the river and to provide protected bicycle infrastructure on nearby streets to create a true greenway and cycling network,” said New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez.
“We look forward to our continued partnership on providing critical new greenspace for the borough—and to celebrate these improvements with upcoming events, like Bike the Block on Bronx River Avenue this summer.”
At the official opening of the Starlight Park expansion were NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue and NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) First Deputy Commissioner Eric Macfarlane joined Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, State Senator Luis Sepúlveda, Assembly Member Kenny Burgos, New York City Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr., Bronx River Alliance Board Member and Executive Director of Youth Ministries of Peace and Justice David Shuffler, former Executive Director of the Bronx River Alliance Maggie Greenfield, and members of the community.
“Today is a great and historic day for our community,” said Assemblymember Kenny Burgos. “The expansion of greenspace in Starlight Park is a major welcome to the Bronx which will improve our environment and quality of life. I am grateful to NYC Parks, the Department of Design and Construction, and all parties involved for their great work in completing this phase of the project. I can’t wait to see the enormous benefits it will have for Bronxites and all New Yorkers.”
Starlight Park, Bronx, New York
You may also be interested in this story about other parks in New York City or the Bronx River Flotilla.
