Bronx leaders celebrate expansion of Mill Pond Park

Mill Pond Park's new waterfront esplanade near the Harlem River.
Mill Pond Park’s new waterfront esplanade near the Harlem River.
Photo Malcolm Pinckey

NYC Parks officials and Bronx leaders gathered at Mill Pond Park on July 22 to celebrate the opening of a new extension to the park.

The new amenities include an ADA-accessible waterfront esplanade, a children’s playground with a spray shower, an adult fitness area, a barbecue area with picnic tables, a plaza and seating area and a new public restroom facility.

“This once vacant waterfront area has now become a vital community space,” NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue said. “A vibrant space that will bring communities closer together and we know that public parks are so important to the well-being of our city – providing environmental, social, and health benefits through our shared green spaces.”

This project is a part of “Vital Parks for All,” a $3.2 billion plan to protect and improve existing park facilities and deliver new resources to under-resourced neighborhoods, according to Donoghue.

Ribbon cutting of Mill Pond Park extension with NYC Parks and Bronx leaders. Photo Malcolm Pinckey.

Mill Pond Park is located near the highly anticipated Hip Hop Museum, which is expected to open in 2025, and is the permanent home of the Bronx Children’s Museum, which opened back in 2022.

“As we continue to work to alleviate the housing crisis across the city, we know that individuals and families need more than a place to sleep,” Daniel Moran, assistant commissioner for New Construction Finance at the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development, said. “With this $25.5 million investment by the city, we’re transforming a long vacant site along the South Bronx waterfront into a mixed-use development that includes housing, cultural facilities, and open space.”

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson said Bronx residents deserve access to open green space.

“The Bronx is not going to be left behind but rather the Bronx is going to lead when it comes to economic development and access to park land, green space, renewable energy and sustainability projects,” Gibson said.

City Council Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala was heavily involved in this project, and she spoke about the extensive process and the popularity of Mill Pond Park as a recreation center during the summer months.

“It’s such a unique space because it has that access to the waterfront that so many of us have sought after for so many years,” said Ayala, who also gave a shout out to Bronx Community Board 4 for their direct involvement in the project. “Next year’s my last year in the City Council and it’s really nice to be able to exit and see some of the hard work that we put into this community evolve into something so beautiful that families are going to enjoy for generations to come.”


For more coverage, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @bronxtimes