On Tuesday, April 2, Bronx City Council Member Althea Stevens and Borough President Vanessa Gibson announced $4 million for renovations to a historical Highbridge skate park.
Rev. T. Wendell Foster Skate Park, located on East 164th Street and River Avenue in the Bronx, is land owned and operated by the city. Established in 1988, the park “has been a vibrant hub for skateboarders, rollerbladers and BMX riders, fostering a sense of community and providing a safe space for recreation and creativity,” according to Stevens’ office.
“This investment represents our commitment to preserving our city’s cultural heritage and providing inclusive recreational opportunities for all,” Stevens said. “The skate park at Rev. T. Wendell Foster Park holds a special place in the hearts of many, and with this renovation, we aim to ensure that it remains a vibrant and welcoming space for years to come.”
The $4 million of capital funding to the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation will be used for upgrades to the facility’s infrastructure — including the improvement of safety features and new “modern amenities.” Stevens’ office wasn’t clear on what exactly the new safety features and amenities would be.
It’s already been a big year for Bronx skate parks.
In February, officials announced plans for new state-of-the-art skate facilities in both Soundview Park and Allerton Skate Park — which will soon be re-named “Bronx Skate Park.” The Soundview facility — co-designed by Bronx pro skateboarder Tyshawn Jones and The Skatepark Project — will replace the weathered asphalt rink with a 15,000-square-foot park. In Allerton, skaters will soon be able to reap the benefits of the complete overhaul of the local skate park. The funding from the two projects is coming from Mayor Eric Adams, as well as Bronx Council Members Oswald Feliz, Eric Dinowitz, and Kevin Riley.
NYC Parks Bronx Borough Commissioner Jessenia Aponte said she and the department are thankful for the third major investment for Rev. T. Wendell Foster Skate Park.
“The park features some of the biggest ramps in our system, making it a destination for thrill seekers,” Aponte said. “These investments in our park amenities enhance public safety and bring communities closer together, and Parks is committed to providing the highest quality recreational spaces for residents of every borough.”
Stevens and Gibson are set to host a check presentation ceremony at Rev. T. Wendell Foster Skate Park on April 4.
Reach Camille Botello at cbotello@schnepsmedia.com. For more coverage, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @bronxtimes
