Concrete Plant Park is a newly renovated area that was formerly a concrete batch mix plant which closed in 1987 and was abandoned for years. Community members worked together to convince the city to designate the land a city park.
Photo slideshow: Relaxing on the River
Story and photos by Sandra C. Roa
NYCity News Service
Ten years ago local environmental activists began battling to rescue an industrial site on the Bronx River and transform it into a park. Four years ago, the Parks Department began construction. Now
the derelict plot of land between Westchester Avenue and the Bruckner Expressway has been reborn as Concrete Plant Park.
On a recent Saturday afternoon, residents who live nearby came out to relax, fish and simply watch the time pass. “It’s way better than the other park,” said Pauline Cousins, 31. “You don’t have to watch out for the basketball, and it’s quiet.” Cousins is now able to sit back
in a concrete lounge chair and soaked in the sun without fear of a ball hitting her face.
Others looked out over the Bronx River, as they chatting on the benches located next to fresh-smelling grass. Just upstream, fishermen patiently held onto their lines. One lucky boy played with a
blue crab just caught by his father.
The original structures are still standing in the center, making a neomodernist scene where nature meets an industrial past. The sounds of laughter, chatter and the lapping water merge with the subdued roar of the No. 6. train and rolling traffic from the neighboring expressways.
It’s a brief reminder of the challenge that remains: Like Barretto Point Park on the East River, those with no car who rely on public transportation will not find it easy to reach Concrete Plant Park. But even before its formal opening, scheduled for Halloween, plenty have found their way to Hunts Point’s newest park.
A version of this story appeared in the October issue of The Hunts Point Express.
Author: sandra.roa
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Wow, what fabulous photos of how people are already enjoying the park! You’re right that access is difficult – while the Hunts Point Ave and Whitlock Ave stations on the #6 are very close, heavy car and truck traffic on the surrounding streets is a real danger to park users, especially children, seniors, and cyclists. The New York City Department of Transportation needs to put in crosswalks, bollards, signs, and other short-term, low-cost safety improvements – now. Let them know that they need to make this a priority: call or e-mail Joshua Benson at DOT: 212-442-9890 jbenson@dot.nyc.gov