The new playground at Mill Pond Park. Image Credit: NYC Parks.
On July 22, 2024, the New York City Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue, in collaboration with critical stakeholders and community members, celebrated the 2.8-acre extension of Mill Pond Park.
The project provides a link between community members, the park, and the Harlem River waterfront. The 2.8-acre extension includes a waterfront path, children’s playground and spray shower, adult fitness area, BBQ area with furnished with picnic tables, plaza and seating area, and a new public restroom.
This project cost $25.5 million and was part of a $194 million infrastructure investment to transform the South Bronx waterfront.
Since 2009, Mill Pond Park has provided Bronx residents a communal area picnic and sand play area, shaded outdoor classroom for youth, and ADA-accessible esplanade – all while enjoying views of the Harlem River. Since 2023, the powerhouse building located in Mill Pond Park, has hosted the Bronx Children’s Museum.
Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue said, “The new Mill Pond Park extension provides seamless access to the Harlem River waterfront, lovely green and open space, and a host of new park amenities for all ages to enjoy. Our city’s investment in this project marks a transformative moment for the South Bronx, turning a once-vacant waterfront area into a hub of affordable housing, cultural programming, and public space that will bring communities closer together. Our parks are vital to the success and wellbeing of our city, and projects such as these bring essential park space to the outer boroughs and ensure that all New Yorkers can enjoy the benefits of accessible, equitable, and well-maintained public greenspaces.”
New York City Economic Development Corporation President & Chief Executive Officer Andrew Kimball said, “This park extension is a major win for Bronx residents who have long yearned for access to the Harlem River waterfront. Along with the new Lower Concourse Park that is currently in development, the Mill Pond Park extension is a clear indicator that our city and partners in the private sector are committed in transforming the South Bronx with amazing public spaces, affordable housing, and other cultural institutions.”
By: Chelsea Ramjeawan (Chelsea is the CityLaw intern and a New York Law School student, Class of 2025.)’