Work Begins On Second Phase Of $30M Highbridge Park Renovation

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — Work to transform another section of Washington Heights' Highbridge Park is now underway as part of a $30 million investment into the large uptown park made by the city in 2016, city officials announced.

The second phase of the "Anchor Parks" renovation at Highbridge includes a $500,000 renovation of the park's water tower and the reconstruction of Adventure Playground on West 164th Street and Edgecomb Avenue, city Parks Department officials said.

The improvements are mainly funded by the Mayor's Office through the $30 million Anchor Parks initiative launched in 2016, city officials said. City Councilmember Ydanis Rodriguez allocated $600,000 and the Parks Department also received $500,000 through a state grant.

Rodriguez said Sunday that any project done at Highbridge Park will be of the best possible quality.

"We are doing the right investment. And we have leaders in parks that believe that children of the working class should have the same quality in any project that we do as they would have it in the Upper East Side, Upper West Side or Riverdale," Rodriguez said at a ground breaking ceremony.

The local lawmaker added that park users will likely see "a lot of new projects" being done in the park in the coming months and years due to the city's investment. The first phase of the Highbrigde Park renovation began in December near the northern end of the park.

Upgrades planned for Adventure Playground include:

• New recreation features that provide children with more adventurous options;
• A new spray shower,
• A garden area;
• Upgraded lighting on pathways to the High Bridge;
• Event space;
• New adult fitness equipment at nearby Sunken Playground;
• A new bathroom.

Both the first and second phases of the Highbridge Park renovation project are expected to be completed sometime in 2020, city officials said.

Highbridge Park was selected to receive funding via the Anchor Parks initiative, a program designed to "direct capital funding to historically underfunded larger parks that are greater than six acres," according to the parks department 2017 executive budget. The city is planning on allocating $150 million across five city parks, one in each borough. In addition to Highbridge Park, Saint Mary's Park in the South Bronx, Betsy Head Park in Brownsville, Astoria Park in Queens and Freshkills Park on Staten Island will each receive $30 million in funding.

Highbridge Park is most known for its namesake, the High Bridge. The High Bridge is the oldest standing bridge in New York City, according to the parks department. The park offers both nature-lovers and thrill-seekers plenty of space to enjoy themselves. Along with it's scenic views and walking trails, the park also features the city's first mountain biking course and a skate park. The park is also home to the Highbridge Recreation Center and Pool, one of the largest outdoor public pools in the city.