The Bronx’s first and only scenic landmark — the Old Croton Aqueduct Walkway in the University Heights neighborhood — received new recognition on Sept. 19, as signage was unveiled to mark its significance to the borough and New York City.
The walkway, which was designated a scenic landmark on April 16, is a “gem in the west Bronx,” said Reana Bush of Friends of Aqueduct Walk at the unveiling ceremony. “It’s the place to be.”
Without the new signs, the site’s place in history can be easily missed.
The aqueduct opened in 1842 to bring the first supply of fresh water into New York City, supporting its booming population and improving public health and sanitation. The walkway was built atop of its stone embankments offering a lush green area of recreational space for the area.
Dr. Roscoe Brown Plaza, located off University Avenue and East 181st Street, bustles with students from Bronx Community College passing through, and neighbors relaxing on benches and play chess.
Community and city leaders hope the new signs will further showcase the historic infrastructure and green oasis sitting atop it.
“The history and what lies beneath here is what makes this so special,” said Sarah Carroll, chair of the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC).
The new signs have been installed at 2148 University Ave., 71 West Fordham Rd. and 2271 Aqueduct Ave. They celebrate the aqueduct as “an engineering marvel” and highlight how the community throughout history has been “instrumental” in keeping the land in the public domain.
After two successful fights against private development, the aqueduct walkway came under Parks Department stewardship in 1930 and has seen numerous upgrades, including the plaza, public restrooms, seating areas, playgrounds and basketball courts.
These open, green spaces are “critical to health and wellness,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, who publicly called for more tree canopy in the South Bronx earlier that morning.
“Stories like this help to shape our borough. It’s what kids should be learning in school,” said Gibson.
New York City has 12 official scenic landmarks and thousands of interior landmarks, historic districts and individual landmarks. To explore these historic places, see the LPC website.
Reach Emily Swanson at eswanson@schnepsmedia.com or (646) 717-0015. For more coverage, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @bronxtimes
