Last week, the Bronx River Alliance celebrated the groundbreaking of Starlight Park at a ceremony organized by New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), which is constructing the 13-acre park.
Joining the many public officials, government representatives, and community organizations present were representatives from Youth Ministries for Peace and Justice, The Point CDC, and Nos Quedamos, who were recognized for the vital role that they played in making this project possible.
This project will construct a key link in the Bronx River Greenway, with a half-mile walking and cycling path connecting Starlight Park to E. 177th St. in West Farms.
Phase II of this project will extend the greenway south to Westchester Avenue and connect to Concrete Plant Park, but is on hold until a resolution can be reached between NYSDOT and Amtrak regarding the construction of a bike and pedestrian bridge over the Amtrak track.
“This groundbreaking shows what can be achieved when communities and government commit to working in partnership. We urge Amtrak to join us in this effort,” said Joan Byron, chair of the Bronx River Alliance.
“Without the greenway connection between Starlight Park and the Concrete Plant Park, people in the most park-deprived areas of the South Bronx will not be able to fully enjoy this new parkland and the reclaimed river,” added Byron.
This 13-acre city park will include soccer fields, a basketball court, picnic areas, playgrounds, a multi-use path for walkers and cyclist and a floating dock for the public to launch boats in the river.
