crotona and tremont park master plan june 2015

CROTONA & TREMONT PARK MASTER PLANJUNE 2015

Photo by Karl Crutchfield

Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 20342

PURPOSE OF THE MASTER PLAN This plan will serve as a guide for a coordinated long-term effort that will make Crotona Park a vital part of its community as well as the City’s most scenic small park.

How was it developed? NYC Parks worked with community groups, Bronx Community Boards 3 and 6, the Friends of Crotona Park and user groups to develop a shared understanding of the park’s problems, community needs and solutions.

INFORMATION GATHERING

SITE ANALYSIS & MAJOR GOALS

CONTENTS

Hydrological Context & Park Comparison...............9

Park Evolution & History...................................10-11

Prior Plans & Studies.......................................12-15

Health Profile.........................................................16

Who We Talked To.................................................17

Community Goal Summary....................................18

Community Postcards from 2034..........................19

Community Workshops....................................20-23

Demographics & Recreational Needs..................25

Site Analysis.........................................................26

Major Goals..........................................................27

Concept Plan.......................................................29

Project List & Budget...........................................55

Credits..................................................................56

CONCEPTUAL PLAN & PROJECTS

How will it be implemented?NYC Parks will work with the Bronx Community Boards, The Friends of Crotona Park, non-profit partners and elected officials to prioritize projects and identify the needed expense and capital budgets over a twenty year period.

PURPOSE & SUMMARYPurpose & Contents...............................................2

Location & Historical Context.............................3-4

Assets & Challenges..............................................5

Main Issues............................................................6

Vision & Major Projects..........................................7


What kind of park will it be?

A park where we love to play, stroll, explore and share good times with our friends and community.


CITY

NEIGHBORHOOD SITE .2 miles2 miles

8 miles

LOCATION


Bronx River

4

Crotona Park

Tremont Park

Crotona ParkwayMalls

2

1

6

6

78

3 45

1 4 7

2 5 8

3 6 9

Claremont Park Soundview Park Van Cortlandt Park

Bronx Park Ferry Point Park Riverdale ParkJohn Mullaly ParkSt. Mary’s Park Pelham Bay Park

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CONTEXT Crotona Park is the ‘Central Park’ of the South Bronx and serves approximately

180,000 Bronx residents. It notable topography, but it never had a landscape plan that

amplifies its unique character or provides seasonal beauty.

In 1887 John Mullaly, a newspaperman and activist who is now called the father of the

Bronx parks system, wrote the following in New Parks Beyond the Harlem:

“The beautiful tract known as Crotona was found to possess all the features of a natural

park, and to have the additional advantage of location and accessibility. It is situated on

the ridge of land which forms the eastern crown of the water-shed of Mill Brook Valley

and commands an extensive view of the surrounding country, bringing within the range

of vision the Palisades and the piers of the Brooklyn Bridge. From its former name of

Bathgate Woods it is evident that in the essential matter of shade it is liberally provided.

Of all the parks it is in fact conspicuous in this respect, and among its fine old forest

trees, luxuriant in their foliage, can be reckoned the oak, the elm, the magnolia, the

maple and a bewildering variety of others of more or less value of trees, soft carpets

of moss and lichens, springs and rivulets of cool and refreshing water, and all this in

the centre of a district that in less than a decade is destined to have within its bounds a

large portion of the population north of the Harlem.”

Bronx Parks System


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Major Assets

Major Challenges

The park’s topographic variety and underlying beauty is notable.

Historically significant places and structures: Indian Lake, the Crotona Pool house and Tremont Park.

Large trees and established groves.

It has many recreational facilities used for team sports and neighborhood uses that are well integrated into the landscape.

The path system confuses many visitors and is distrupted by the streets that cut through the park.

Poorly lit and isolated areas in the park discour-age use.

The landscape lacks seasonal beauty and spatial distinction.

Reoccurring algae and phragmites in Indian Lake.

Needs more year-round facilities for seniors, teens and adolescents.

Surrounded by an underserved neighborhood.

SCENIC LANDSCAPE

INDIAN LAKE

HISTORIC TREE GROVE

ALGAE &PHRAGMITES

LACK OF CLEAR CONTINUOUS PATHS

ISOLATED AREAS

WEAK LANDSCAPEVIEWS

RECREATION

ASSETS & CHALLENGES


Crotona Park Master PlanPrepared by Planning and Parklands2014

Indian Lake

Hill & Dale Playground

SoccerField

Crotona Playground(NE Corner)

Prospect Park Playground

Roberto ClementeBallfield # 4

Ballfield # 3

Pool

Pool House

Boxcar Playground

Carter Playground

Ballfield # 1

Ballfield # 2

Martin Van Buren Playground

TennisHouse

Hylan Park

ClintonPlayground

Playground of the Stars

BathgatePlayground

Crotona Playground(NW corner)

Handball &BasketballCourts

Victory Garden

CrotonaAmphitheater

TremontPlayground -2


Ballfield

NatureCenter

FULT

ON A

VENU

E

CROTO

NA AV

ENUE

Tenniscourts

Tenniscourts

Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning

CLAREMONT PKWY

CLAREMONT VILLAGE

EAST TREMONT

CLAREMONT VILLAGE

CROSS BRONX EXPRESSWAY

TremontPark

174 th Steet Station

Picnic Area


Spray Shower

BasketballCourt

BasketballCourt


(Under construction)

HandballCourts

Old BoroughHall Site

SleddingArea

Bridges

CROT

ONA

PAR

KWAY

M

ALLS

Hank GreenbergBallfield # 5


Indian Lake


SoccerField




Ballfield # 3

Pool

Pool House

Boxcar Playground

Carter Playground

Ballfield # 1

Ballfield # 2


TennisHouse

Hylan Park

ClintonPlayground


BathgatePlayground



Victory Garden

CrotonaAmphitheater



Ballfield

NatureCenter

FULT

ON A

VENU

E

CROTO

NA AV

ENUE

Tenniscourts

Tenniscourts


CLAREMONT PKWY

CLAREMONT VILLAGE

EAST TREMONT

CLAREMONT VILLAGE


TremontPark


Picnic Area


Spray Shower

BasketballCourt

BasketballCourt



HandballCourts


SleddingArea

Bridges

CROT

ONA

PAR

KWAY

M

ALLS


The pool house has importantcharacter, but is not year-round

Lack of street trees on theperimeter to buffer the street

Limited parking for Tennis Center

Beautiful & unique Bald Cypress trees

Important forest & sceniclandscape with long views

Phragmites unattractive landscape

Poor connection from tennis courts to park entrance on Fulton Ave near Bathgate plgd

Homeless family residencewith need for park activities

No crosswalk

Help USA: Homeless shelter needs park activites

Future Cary Leeds Centerfor Tennis & Learning: will be a magnet

Poor connection between Crotona Park and Crotona Parkway Malls

No good bike lane connection to Crotona Parkway

Algae and phragmites ruin thelake health & appearance

Picnic area and handball courtsview detracts from amphitheater

Indian Lake & Picnic Area

Tremont Park

Unsafe pedestrian crossing

Northwest Zone

Hylan Park

North Zone

Ballfield fences interruptflow of meadow

Park perimeter offers limitedactivities for the neighborhood

Handball courts intrude on scenic landscape

Flooding behind Bathgate Plgd

Old borough hall site

Cross Bronx Expressway separatesCrotona Park and Tremont Park

Grand steps to old borough hall site:potentially a community centerpiece

Unused large builiding

Historic fountain moved to City Hall;replaced with planter

Park needs a football / soccer field, track, skate park, dog run,

senior citizenseating areas, defined running loop, a

multipurpose community center and maintenance

facilities.

Park Needs

Scenic landscapeConnection

Poor drainage

Important featureLandscape feature

Perimeter needs improvement

Critical issuePoor viewGood view

KEY

Under utilized area

6

MAIN ISSUES


Crotona Park will be the most beautiful park in the Bronx and a haven for the community with recreational opportunities for every age.

VISION

Proposed park plan showing new facilities and landscapes.

What major projects are included?1. A landscape plan to improve scenic beauty2. Restoration of Indian Lake3. Restoration and conversion of the pool building to a year-round recreation center4. One multipurpose field5. One 1/8 mile track6. One skate park7. One dog park8. Four comfort stations9. Pedestrian bridge over Crotona Avenue10. Indian Lake café and boat rental 11. Picnic house for community rental and cultural activities12. Seating and activity areas for seniors13. Park maintenance facility with secure storage for vehicles14. Improved park path safety and beauty15. Beautification of the Crotona Avenue and Claremont Parkway intersection 16. Landscaped bridge to Tremont park 17. Restoration of the Borough Hall stairs and construction of gymnasium / cultural community building 18. Restoration of Tremont paths and plantings


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We learned what people know, what they are concerned about, what they are working on and what more they think can be done. We reviewed existing studies, interviewed elected officials, leaders, NYC Parks personnel and external experts.

INFORMATION GATHERING


Bronx River

BRONX

MANHATTAN

Harlem River

Indian Lake

Harlem River

Bungay or BoundBrook

Crotona Park

HYDROLOGICAL CONTEXT & PARK AREA COMPARISONIndian Lake is a naturally occurring pond that captures the

runoff from the surrounding park. Historically it fed the Bungay

or Bound Brook that flowed south near Southern Boulevard

before reaching the Harlem River.

Prospect Park Lake

Nethermead

Long Meadow

These drawings show how Crotona Park’s lakes and lawns compare to those in Prospect Park.

Spuyten Duyvil

Tremont Park

2 miles

IndianLake

LongMeadow

ProspectHill

Bronx Watershed Map - 1873 Crotona Park, 142.5 Acres Prospect Park, 562.3 Acres


Early Park Era: Late 1800s Robert Moses Era: 1930s-1960s- The city purchased the property from Andrew Bathgate during the consolidation of the Bronx park system in 1888.

- New public activities like ice skating, warming hut, concession stands were installed near the Indian lake.

- Natural shoreline of the lake was replaced with concrete walls and lake perimeter was paved.

- 300 American Elms were planted around the lake.

- A new boathouse was built in 1928 along with the old “Farm Gar-den” to teach children about plant science, conservation, nutrition, and hygiene.

- From 1934 to 1960s new recreational facili-ties like one Olympic size swimming pool and bathhouse, five baseball fields, twenty tennis courts, and nine playgrounds were con-structed.

- New park paths, four comfort stations, pic-nic, and sitting areas were added.

- Cross Bronx Ex-pressway was built be-tween 1948 and 1972.

PARK EVOLUTION & HISTORY

1937 aerial view of Crotona Park in construction.

1937 aerial view of Crotona Park Pool.

Existing conditions, 1935.

Indian Pond in Crotona Park, 1905.


Era of Decline: 1960s-1990s Recovery Era: 1990s Onward- After urban decay in the 1960s, park recovery began in the mid 1980s when new restoration projects were carried out.

- Major pool and bathhouse restora-tion was carried out in 1984.

- Urban Park Rangers made the park a base for en-vironmental educa-tion, leading walks and tours with focus on children.

- In 1996, ‘Friends of Crotona Park’ was founded and the park was included in the pilot ‘Urban Forestry and mapping’ project carried out by the Parks Department’s Natural Resources Group.

Tremont stairs in 1980s.

Crotona Park amphitheater, 2014.

Indian Lake in Crotona Park, 2014.

- Park restoration and management plan was prepared by the Cityscape Institute and Saratoga Associates in 2000.

- In 2001, the Nature Center was reopened with new programs and activities.

- Construction of Crotona amphitheater and lake restoration was carried out in 2009.

PARK EVOLUTION & HISTORY


In 1992, Bronx Community Board 3 produced the 197a Plan, a community-based

master plan for their neighborhood. In it, Crotona Park was noted.

Partnership for the Future 197a Plan1992 Bronx Community Board 3

From the plan:

“The plan recommends developing vacant land for new parks, open space, and

recreation facilities in tandem with residential development. The plan further

recommends establishing a Bronx Greenway via linear parks and bikeways

along transportation corridors to link Crotona Park to the borough’s major parks,

waterfront, and cultural and educational institutions; and using Crotona Park as a

learning environment supplementary to community schools.”

PRIOR PLANS & STUDIES


Crotona Park Restoration and Management Plan2000 Cityscape Institute and Saratoga Associates

At the Community Workshop held in 2001,

participants identified nine themes that should

serve as the guiding principles for park

restoration.

1 The park as a clean, safe and beautiful

place to experience nature.

2 The park as a place for families and

children.

Indian Lake as the heart of the park. 3The park as the home of world class sports

and recreation facilities.4

The park as a place that links and connects

the surrounding communities instead of

separating them.

The park as a haven from traffic.

Facilities in the park that are appropriately

sited and well-maintained.

A strong and cohesive identity throughout

the park.

The park as a place to celebrate community

history.

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The Urban Forest Management Plan mapped and documented 40% tree cover in Crotona Park. The above GIS map shows the locations and diameters of trees.

Crotona Park Urban Forest Management Plan2004 NYC Parks A Yale School of Forestry student, Kyla Dahlin, studied Crotona Park as part of three

separate planning efforts to inventory, characterize, and formulate systematic man-

agement strategies. The plan examined the past and present forest resources in Cro-

tona Park, giving the following recommendations for its future.

Management Goals:

Canopy cover and public health Protect and improve tree canopy

Passive recreation Create inviting spaces for formal and informal gatherings

Aesthetic value Maintain and enhance

Wildlife habitat Manage the park to encourage song birds through building

nest boxes, planting trees and reducing predators.

Erosion control and storm water run-off reduction Areas with steep slopes need trees to reduce the effects of

rain and trampling on the soil.

Views Identify viewshed elements

Cultural heritage and current use Address cultural landscape protection. Currently the park

lacks winter foliage.

Education Young tree adoption. Great tree walk.


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In 2007, Abel Bainson and Butz prepared a conceptual plan for the reorganization of paths and facilities in the park. Playgrounds, items B and C, were constructed.

The Reconstruction of Tremont Park2007 Abel Bainson and Butz



HEALTH PROFILENYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene2012 Epiquery Community Health Profiles

SouthBronx

49

Upper West Side

Kingsbridge/Riverdale

32 19 78 / 21

55 29 17

34 35 30

88 / 12

71 / 29

Hospital District % at avg.

weight or less

% over

weight

% obese

Exercised in last 30

days Yes / No

136,000 Hispanic

Racial composition of the South Bronx

60,000 Black

3,000 Asian

3,000 White

Notes:- 71% exercise is the lowest exercise rate in the Bronx

- 70% exercise is the lowest exercise rate in NYC, located in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.

- 88% is the highest exercise rate in NYC, located on the Upper West Side in Manhattan.

For Comparison..


• Friends of Crotona Park

• Aguila Inc

• Office of Bronx Borough President

• Bronx Community Board 3

• Bronx Community Board 6

• Bronx Director of Recreation

• Crotona Runners Club

• City CM Maria del Carmen Arroyo

• Office of City CM Ritchie Torres

• Office of City CM Vanessa Gibson

• Friends of Crotona Park

• Goodwill Baptist Church

• Karl Crutchfield (journalist)

• Mary Mitchell Community Center

• Matt Rey NYPD 42nd Precinct

• New York Junior Tennis League

• Oval Community Youth Program

• Partnerships for Parks

• Phipps Neighborhood

• Tremont Merchants Association

COMMUNITY CONCERNS: Who We Talked To

All photos courtesy of The Friends of Crotona Park


We interviewed citizen and civic groups, park employees, and community planners. People who have a history of working in a park or using a park have intimate knowledge

of what should be preserved, enhanced or fixed. A broad range of park users and organization representatives participated in several community wide work sessions in June,

November, and December 2014, where they mapped community concerns, work underway and ideas for improvement.


Indian Lake


SoccerField




Ballfield # 3

Pool

Pool House

Boxcar Playground

Carter Playground

Ballfield # 1

Ballfield # 2


TennisHouse

Hylan Park

ClintonPlayground


BathgatePlayground



Victory Garden

CrotonaAmphitheater



Ballfield

NatureCenter

FULT

ON

AVE

NUE

CROT

ONA

AVEN

UE

Tenniscourts

Tenniscourts


CLAREMONT PKWY

CLAREMONT VILLAGE

EAST TREMONT

CLAREMONT VILLAGE


TremontPark


Picnic Area


Spray Shower

BasketballCourt

BasketballCourt



HandballCourts


SleddingArea

Bridges

CR

OTO

NA

PAR

KWAY

M

ALLS


ZONE 51. Connect Crotona and Tremont Parks.2. Add soccer fi eld 3. Increase lighting in SW Tremont park 4. Construct new entrance - NE corner.5. Solarium at old borough hall.6. Mounted police offi cers.7. Amphitheatre.8. Litter campaign, better trash collection.9. More benches, picnic tables.10. Bike racks along Arthur Avenue.11. Restroom.12. Licensed food vendor.13. Replace fountain with active recreation.14. Destination for evening sports practices.

ZONE 1

1. Pool Building - Construct indoor playground for winter use, clean the pool, add surveillance cameras, plant a fl ower garden east of pool build-ing2. Bathgate Playground - add more seating and more shade trees, prevent from fl ooding 3. Add a safe path connecting Tennis house to park exit on the north side of Bathgate playground4. Remove ball fi eld for more liberal use of the lawn 5. Construct a waterfall/fl owing water system to the south of ball fi eld6. Increase lighting on the Central N/S path7. Designate a dog park8. Add a safe path connecting Tennis house to park exit on the north side of Bathgate playground9. Smoke free playgrounds10. Build new comfort station

ZONE 21. Provide more benches on the western path2. Clinton Playground: expand3. Playground of the Stars: build swings for all ages, increase lighting 4. Increase lighting on circular pathways and baseball fi eld5. Add swings for all ages6. Designate a Dog Park7. Add benches throughout

ZONE 31. Build new soccer fi eld with track at Boxcar playground2. Indian Lake - clean the lake, introduce boating add pay-phone, Gazebos, fences, food concessions, fountain or a bird bath south of Indian bridge and a carrousel 3. Construct a low-cost park eat-ery to the south of tennis fi elds4. Add more parking on Crotona Ave near Tennis fi elds5. Charlotte St Entrance feels unsafe6. Carter Playground: renovate7. Nature Center: reopen8. Add comfort station9. BBQ area needs to be cleaned up10. Mounted Park Ranger stable.

ZONE 41. Provide an easier connec-tion to the park from 174th street subway station2. Mini golf course north of tennis fi elds 3. Skate Park in Hylan park 4. Improve drainage and sur-veillance for ball fi elds 5. Handball courts: need repair6. Designate dog park7. Add comfort station

Community Brainstorm MapCrotona Park April, November 2014

ZONE 5

ZONE 1

ZONE 2

ZONE 3

ZONE 4

COMMUNITY GOAL SUMMARY


20 years from today, I will return to Crotona Park

to see great green pastures where citizens BBQ

in peace, and to join the camping sessions one

night during summer months.

I rode with my kids through the park greenway. We turned west at Claremont parkway Greenway,

Continuing on the much greener Claremont Parkway; I’m so glad they “put the ‘park’ back in Claremont Parkway.”

Today my Grandkids and I took a blanket

and lay down under a beautiful tree and

read our books. Like our moms did.

Coming back to Crotona Park after being gone for so long, we were

very impressed by the ice skating rink, the clean bathroom, the picnic

area - so clean! The wild life... We enjoyed ourselves so much, rowing

in the Indian Lake. Thank you so much for the memory that we created.

-Sol R.

Dear Family,

I had a great time boating on the lake at Crotona Park last summer and my kid is now the best player on the Crotona Hockey Team. CROTONA PARK 2034

USA $5

20 years from now I’ll go to Crotona Park and find my-

self enjoying rowing in Indian Lake alongside beautiful

ducks and looking at the beauiful fish and turtles living

in the lake.

POSTCARDS FROM 2034: What Community Members Imagined


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Recreation & Concessions• Infrastructure for children: sprinklers, playground for special needs children, sand box, zip line, more swings and slides, seesaw.• More comprehensive sports fields: football, soccer, track and field, handball, skate park, basketball. Include bleachers and adequate lighting with all fields. Gym facilities.• More BBQ areas, year-round activities, and food concessions in the park.

Safety & Enforcement• More and brighter lights throughout park – especially in problem areas.• More security: PEP officers, police officers to monitor park. • Other ideas: cameras, alarm boxes, police buzzers.• Develop park curfew. Lock the park after a certain time, keep Illegal activities out. • Enforce rules about littering – especially with larger summer BBQs.

• Establish rule that dogs without leashes cannot be in park.

Facilities & Amenities • Bathrooms: increase numbers, renovate existing, keep clean.• More benches and water fountains.• Create dog run.• Create better indoor spaces for children and families during winter months – make park a year-round resource.• New pool for young children. • Ice / roller skating rink.

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Navigation & Communication• Maps, signs, legends at every park entrance. Map all park facilities and resources. Include arrows throughout parks to help users navigate.• Foster community support. Build more comprehensive list of partners, create a reliable and consistent calendar to communicate parks events. • Name parts of the park.• Create signs in different languages, make color coded signs to help special needs patrons find their way.

Programming & Volunteering • More parks events: concerts, movies.• Family friendly gatherings, with lots of weekend programming to include parents who work full time: tournaments, nutrition and cooking classes, art classes, sports days. • Dog programming: dog shows, dog health, dog meet ups.

Indian Lake & Nature• Clean up lake. Boating and swimming in the lake. Make area safer. Build new gazebo.• Keep Bathgate Playground from flooding when it rains.• Create more significant gardening areas. • Trim trees.

Maintenance• Keep bathrooms clean.• More trash cans needed.• Clean pool.

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Bike & Pedestrian Issues • Mile marker for walkers and runners.• Create a well laid-out continuous east-west path along Claremont Parkway. • Make an extension off road greenway south from Claremont Parkway to exit at Crotona Park East• Connect bike paths to Prospect Ave – better northbound path than Crotona Ave.

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COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS: June Community Workshop Goals


COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS: Community Board Six Goals Tremont Park

Recreation• More swings at Tremont playground and softsurface• Handball courts well used but no basketball• Track or field near old borough hall site• Exercise equipment• More swings at Tremont playground 2• Little league uses Ball field Facilities• Amphitheatre• Solarium• Gazebo senior center• Picnic area requested• Dog run• Indoor activity space

Amenities• Bike racks along 3rd avenue and Arthur ave by Tremont• Licensed food vendor• Bike racks along Arthur ave • Restroom needed of old concessions• More benches• Signage: maps , health trails

Maintenance • Sanitation cleanup• Empty trash• Fencing by Bronx Expressway • More lights near ballfield and along Fulton Avenue

Programming• Better signage, events posted• Tours history, litter campaign• Maps in the park highlighting sites• Tree ID for teaching botanicals • Mounted park / police officers• Bring back the boats

Facilities• Gazebo

Maintenance • Staff cleanup • Clean bathroom• Roberto Clemente needs facelift

• Litter removal• Bring back mounted police• Health walk trail markers

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In early December, we met with the Tremont Merchants Association, a group

assembled to foster businesses and economic growth in the area. The group

- composed of community board members, business owners, and long-time

residents came up with several ideas for developing Tremont Park.

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COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS: Tremont Merchants Association Goals

Recreation• In 1960s: summer events,

carousels, fields packed

• Can’t live in the past, need

to make park a destination

• More programming

• Add sports fields instead of

replacing fountain

• Playgrounds

• Add track

Safety • Lighting is a major problem

both around park and in park

• More Parks Enforcement

Officers

General Ideas• “Live work play” space

• Activate the park

• Make the park a destination

• Add recreation and more

programming

Facilities• Administrative / permit office

• Café

• Renovate abandoned red

building

• Build a new community

center at site of old borough

hall

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We talked to teenagers at the Mary Mitchell Community Center about what they wanted to see in their park.

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COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS: Mary Mitchell Community Center

Recreation• Indoor gym• Parkour / Skate park• More soccer fields • Community Center• Volleyball courts• Secure indoor gym • Indoor basketball

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4Facility• Bathrooms in every park• Add more restrooms

Programming • Greenhouses• Seasonal family Olympics• Community garden• Free tennis lessons for all

Safety• Security cameras• More enforcement• More lighting throughout • Repave paths • More Park Rangers


SITE ANALYSIS ANDMAJOR GOALSInvestigate the existing conditions of the site to determine opportunities and constraints. Identify the major goals that must be addressed.



DEMOGRAPHICS & RECREATIONAL NEEDS

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Population (0-9yrs)0 - 281

281 - 534

534 - 801

801 - 1194

1194 - 2134

Population (10-64yrs)0 - 2032

2032 - 3448

3448 - 5045

5045 - 9685

9685 - 18502

Population (65yrs +)0 - 239

239 - 469

469 - 800

800 - 1869

1869 - 6272

• There are insufficient interior or covered spaces for after school and summer programs• There are insufficient football and soccer fields to meet demand• There are insufficient activities for adolescents• There are no opportunities for socializing with food in a café setting

• Some areas of high activity lack comfort stations• There are insufficient benches in areas where there are concentrations of seniors or other populations such as homeless families.



Indian Lake


SoccerField




Ballfield # 3

Pool

Pool House

Boxcar Playground

Carter Playground

Ballfield # 1

Ballfield # 2


TennisHouse

Hylan Park

ClintonPlayground


BathgatePlayground



Victory Garden

CrotonaAmphitheater



Ballfield

NatureCenter

FULT

ON A

VENU

E

CROTO

NA AV

ENUE

Tenniscourts

Tenniscourts


CLAREMONT PKWY

CLAREMONT VILLAGE

EAST TREMONT

CLAREMONT VILLAGE


TremontPark


Picnic Area


Spray Shower

BasketballCourt

BasketballCourt



HandballCourts


SleddingArea

Bridges

CROT

ONA

PAR

KWAY

M

ALLS



Indian Lake


SoccerField




Ballfield # 3

Pool

Pool House

Boxcar Playground

Carter Playground

Ballfield # 1

Ballfield # 2


TennisHouse

Hylan Park

ClintonPlayground


BathgatePlayground



Victory Garden

CrotonaAmphitheater



Ballfield

NatureCenter

FULT

ON A

VENU

E

CROTO

NA AV

ENUE

Tenniscourts

Tenniscourts


CLAREMONT PKWY

CLAREMONT VILLAGE

EAST TREMONT

CLAREMONT VILLAGE


TremontPark


Picnic Area


Spray Shower

BasketballCourt

BasketballCourt



HandballCourts


SleddingArea

Bridges

CROT

ONA

PAR

KWAY

M

ALLS


The pool house has importantcharacter, but is not year-round

No water supply or maintenanceshed at Victory garden

Improve forest for bird habitat

Lack of street trees on theperimeter to buffer the street

Limited parking for Tennis Center

Beautiful & unique Bald Cypress trees

Important forest & sceniclandscape with long views

Phragmites unattractive landscape

Very nice London Plane allee

Heavily used playground

Too much sidewalk createspoor park image

Park entrance lacks character

Hylan park is isolated

Poor connection from tennis courts to park entrance on Fulton Ave near Bathgate plgd

Homeless family residencewith need for park activities

Sledding area

No crosswalk

Help USA: Homeless shelter needs park activites

Future Cary Leeds Centerfor Tennis & Learning: will be a magnet

Poor connection between Crotona Park and Crotona Parkway Malls

No good bike lane connection to Crotona Parkway

Algae and phragmites ruin thelake health & appearance

Pond collects litter & requires more frequent cleaning

Overused picnic area with poor visual appearance Picnic area and handball courtsview detracts from amphitheater

Indian Lake & Picnic Area

Tremont Park

Unsafe pedestrian crossing

Northwest Zone

South Zone

Hylan Park

North Zone

Senior citizens need apleasant spot to use

Ballfield fences interruptflow of meadow

Park perimeter offers limitedactivities for the neighborhood

Handball courts intrude on scenic landscape

Flooding behind Bathgate Plgd

Old borough hall site: possiblecovered activity structure

Poor connection betweenCrotona Park and Tremont Park

Vacant green space adjacent to BXExpressway, can connect Crotona & Tremont Parks

People congregating & sleepingon the sidewalk along the park

Scenic landscape & long views

Grand steps to old borough hall site:potentially a community centerpiece

Unused large builiding

Ballfield in poor condition & too small

Historic fountain moved to City Hall;replaced with planter

Scenic landscapeConnection

Poor drainage

Important featureLandscape feature

Perimeter needs improvement

Critical issuePoor viewGood view

KEY

Under utilized area

SITE ANALYSIS

26


MAJOR GOALS

Add new recreational facilities and programs for youth like football, soccer and skateboarding.

Provide more activities and sitting ar-eas for seniors.

Provide indoor areas for exercise and community use.

Provide comfort stations in areas of concentrated use.

Provide indoor and outdoor spaces for social gathering. Maintain and improve existing fields and courts.

Provide venues for picnicking.

Recreation and New Facilities

Make Crotona Park the most beautiful park in the Bronx.

Restore the lake appearance and beauty.

Enhance and promote the beauty and cultural landscape of Crotona Park.

Prepare a landscape plantingplan to guide future planting and forest management.

Implement the Crotona Park Urban Forest Management plan.

Nature and Landscape Beauty

Social Life, Culture and EducationProvide ways of engaging the public in caring for the park’s arboreal legacy and historic significance.

Provide focal point for community and family activities.

Improve the functionality and beauty of Crotona Pool.

Volunteer center, greenhouse, Nature Center, Cary Leeds Center are all op-portunities for education.

Integrate Cary Leeds Tennis Center into the life of the park.

Provide food and boat rental.

Circulation and SafetyProvide a safe, continuous, and beautiful pedestrian path system.

Provide routes for scenic walks and runs.

Improve park perimeter. Create welcoming entrances with social seating.

Enhance way finding in the park by provid-ing attractive signage.

Establish a park wide security network.

Improve pedestrian crossings at Crotona Avenue.

Connect the bike route to the on-street network.


CONCEPTUAL PLAN Illustrate the major actions and projects necessary to solve the problems and meet the needs of the community.

Photo by Karl Crutchfield 28



Indian Lake


SoccerField




Ballfield # 3

Pool

Pool House

Boxcar Playground

Carter Playground

Ballfield # 1

Ballfield # 2


TennisHouse

Hylan Park

ClintonPlayground


BathgatePlayground



Victory Garden

CrotonaAmphitheater



Ballfield

NatureCenter

FULT

ON

AVE

NU

E

CRO

TONA

AVE

NUE

Tenniscourts

Tenniscourts


CLAREMONT PKWY

CLAREMONT VILLAGE

EAST TREMONT

CLAREMONT VILLAGE


TremontPark


Picnic Area


Spray Shower

BasketballCourt

BasketballCourt



HandballCourts


SleddingArea

Bridges

CR

OTO

NA

PA

RK

WAY

M

ALL

S


10

NATURE & LANDSCAPE BEAUTY

Provide landscape buffer for courts & fields throughout the park

Improve appearance of Indian Lake. Add food and activities.

SOCIAL LIFE, CULTURE &EDUCATION RECREATION AND NEW FACILITIES

A

New comfort stationB

Cafe and boatingC

Skate park D

GymnasiumE

Dog parkF

Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & LearningG

Picnic houseH

Senior activity areaI

2

1

4

5

7

7

9 10

11

13

B

C

E 13

F

I

CIRCULATION & SECURITY

Provide a safe & attractive connectionbetween Crotona & Tremont Park

Scenic running and walking path loop

Enhance way-finding in the parkby providing signage

Establish a park wide security networkof call boxes

Add crosswalks for pedestriansafety and connections

Enhance scenic enjoyment

G

1/8 mile track with exercise equipment

15

8

Crosswalk

Scenic landscape

Winter landscape

7

7

A

K

K

K

K

10

I10

10

B

Improve visual appearance of Crotona Avenue

D

Prepare a Landscape Master Plan

Protect and enhance scenic landscape zone, add winter foliage & native trees

Provide indoor & outdoor space for social gathering

Modify the pool building for use as year-round recreation center

B

H

Scenic pedestrian bridge over Crotona Avenue

K

6

L

12

Rehabilitate & repurpose the historicstaircase and old borough hall site.

Promote and enhance the sceniclandscape & arboreal legacy of the park.

8

3

B

L

Football/Soccer synthetic surface fieldL

FBK

14

14

CONCEPT PLAN

Concept PlanCrotona Park February 2015

15 Reroute bike lane

Construction of food concession and rest room

29

1 Provide a garden shed and water

2 Explore urban design solutions to make theintersection a feature

3 Extend London Planeallee

4 Clean the pond and add water cascade feature

5 Buffer picnic ground and BBQ area

6

7 Enhance park entrance

8 Create attractive winterlandscape for sledding

9 Beautify landscape views. Reveal water source & create cascade with circulation pump

10 Provide seating area withoutdoor exercise equipment

11

12

Beautify landscape

13

Plant conifer trees Add seating with tables and activity area

CONCEPT PLAN NOTES

Connect bike route to Crotona Parkway and Bronx River Greenway

14


The Pool building is deteriorating due to poor roofing, flashing and brick pointing. It is a very significant structure that needs immediate attention. Numerous interior spaces are ill con-figured or unusable due to poor conditions. The gymnasium is closed in the summer for use as pool locker rooms.

There are capital funds allocated for roof, mezzanine, clock tower renovations. The project is in the bidding process. More funds are necessary.

Original rendering of the pool house. Exterior of pool house today.

RECREATION & NEW FACILITIES: Restore Pool House & Convert to Year-Round Use


RECREATION & NEW FACILITIES: Restore Pool House & Convert to Year-Round Use

31

View of gymnasium.

Convert the existing arched window opening and storage room on the north-east corner

of the building into an entrance and lobby.

Connect lobby area to a new corridor that runs through the existing men’s locker room to

connect to the existing women’s locker room.

Original rendering of gymnasium.


At every community meeting we had, building more fields for

football and soccer was a major concern. We searched through

Crotona and Tremont Park to locate potential sites.

We examined the whole park to see where a full size (300’ X

180’) field would fit.

A smaller field ( 240’ X 150”) could be sited in Tremont Park or

in Crotona Park, each other site would involve tree removals,

but are worth consideration.

Field 5, east of the Roberto Clemente field, is the only place a

full size field will fit.

RECREATION & NEW FACILITIES: Possible Sites for Multipurpose Field

All of the potential sites for a multipurpose field in Crotona Park. 32


Best site identified for a new multipurpose field.

Current conditions at the site identified.

RECREATION & NEW FACILITIES: New Multipurpose Field

33

Due to the increasing demand for football and soccer facilities in Crotona Park, and the

shortage of acceptable site without trees, rocks or rolling topography, converting field five

to soccer/football is the most feasible option and is supported by the major users.


Construct the City’s First Long Board Skate Park Construct a dog run at the under- used sitting area at Hylan Park.

• This will activate Hylan Park in the mornings and evenings

• The site is separated from residential areas

Proposed location of dog run. Skateboarding in Vermont, courtesy of enthuzed.com.

Skateboarders enjoy Skate the Cape Shred Festival in Fort Miles section of Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware. Courtesy of axsgear.com.

RECREATION & NEW FACILITIES: New Dog Run & Skate Park Establish a New Dog Run in Crotona Park


Many of the groups we interviewed expressed a desire for indoor areas for

church fucntions, family reunions, birthday parties and weddings. The picnic

house is intended to be a place for of symbolic importance in the park -

visible in the landscape and across the Lake.

1/8 mile track with outdoor exercise equipment for all ages.

New Track Facility New Picnic House RECREATION & NEW FACILITIES: New Maintenance Facility & Picnic House


Tremont Park was once a “Town square’” with the Bor-

ough hall and a formal area focused on a fountain. The

Borough hall was demolished and the decorative center-

piece fountain was removed.

Recent playground improvements, done in accordance

with a mini-master plan by Abel Bainson and Butz, have

brought vitality to the park. The rest of the park needs to

be restored to community prominence and serve as the

focal point of cultural and community gatherings.

Borough Hall and terrace. New lawn and playgrounds in 2014.

Deteriorated condition of the steps in 1980.

RECREATION & NEW FACILITIES: Tremont Park


RECREATION & NEW FACILITIES: Tremont ParkMake Tremont park a beacon for neighborhood recreation and activity on Tremont Avenue.

• Construct a gymnasium/community event space sited on the site of the old Borough Hall.

• One large enclosed space with lighting, heating and mechanical ventilation.

• Design the end facing the park to open completely in order to facilitate its use for large cultural gatherings.

• At night it should glow from within.

• Permit it primarily for after school activities for youth.

Reconfigure the paths around the fountain basin to accommodate a jogging loop (shown in yellow on the plan) that would be well lit to attract evening use.

• Reconfigure the smaller diameter path around the central feature, to accommodate strolling, admiration of gardens and social seating.

• Use the central feature area for public art that is activated by wind, water or motors so that it is an attraction.

• Construct a smaller synthetic surface football / soccer field within the jogging loop. Light it for night time use.

Convert the closed comfort station to a café/comfort station. Serve food at the street level and at the park level.


NATURE & LANDSCAPE BEAUTY: Implement a Landscape Planting Plan

38

Make Crotona the Most Beautiful Park in the BronxCrotona Park has the notable topography and un-

derlying beauty but it has never had a landscape

plan that amplifies the unique character of the dif-

ferent areas: the long meadow near the pool, the

large hill overlooking the lake, the sledding hills in

the Northwest corner, or the vale around the lake in

particular.

For the most part recreational facilities have been

integrated into the topography of the park to make

them barely visible from the scenic interior. Howev-

er, there are a few instances where handball walls

and ballfield fences impinge on the park beauty.

Frequently indiscrete trash cans and poor signage

are the sole flaw in the landscape appearance.

The picnic area and handball walls are an unfortu-

nate backdrop for the amphitheater.



39

The rolling hills and rock outcroppings of Crotona Park

create a setting of great scenic opportunity.

Pruning and lifting of tree canopies as well as planting

of understory trees and shrubs of seasonal beauty will

make Crotona Park’s Long Meadow a significant land-

scape.

Remove thicket and open view of Long Meadow.

Long Meadow.

Winter Hill existing conditions.

Photoshop rendering of Winter Hill with evergreen trees.

Example of handball walls that interfere with scenic beauty.

Photoshop rendering of evergreens planted to improve view.

EXISTING CONDITIONS EXISTING CONDITIONS

PROPOSED SOLUTIONPROPOSED SOLUTIONPROPOSED SOLUTION

EXISTING CONDITIONS


NATURE & LANDSCAPE BEAUTY: IMPROVE THE PARK PERIMETER• Provide attractive views into the park with plantings of seasonal beauty and habitat value. Entrances will enhance natural features such as outcroppings and gardens, be furnished with benches, and create a welcoming atmosphere.• Perimeter paving and fencing should be as transparent as possible, most likely 3-foot picket fence, so that seated people can see over it into the park.• Park lighting fixtures should be spaced so as to provide at least 1 foot candle on the pavement.• If the surrounding land uses are objectionable in appearance from inside the park, landscape buffer plantings should be installed to provide interest inside the park.• Uses on the park perimeter should be designed to meet the needs of the adjacent population such a Senior centers, day care centers, and homeless family residences.• If the adjacent uses include drug treatment facilities, benches in secluded in less public areas should be designed to discourage domination by a single person. • Provide benches in the most public areas for use by the general population.

View of entrance to Hylan Park. This could be greatly improved with the addition of flowering trees, which would also en-close the park in beauty.

View of perimeter traffic which should be screened with attractive plantings.

View of wooden fence on Crotona Avenue which should be replaced with 3-foot steel picket fence.


NATURE & LANDSCAPE BEAUTY: ENHANCE PARK ENTRANCES • Make every entrance attractive. Highlight seasonal landscape beauty, landmark elements, and provide handicapped accessible curb cuts. • Provide sufficient companion seating, smooth paving for wheelchair users, lighting, as well as drinking fountains where possible. • Locate trash cans. • Provide greeting signage with orientation maps, rules, space for events postings, as well as contact information for the Parks Administrator, Friends of Crotona Park, and 311 numbers.

Park entrance with potential.

Use trees and shrubs of seasonal beauty to envelop visitors Improve seating area and use Crotona bench.

Current entrances feature unattractive vandalism proof benches.


PROPOSED SOLUTIONS PROPOSED SOLUTIONS



42

Use the 1930s landscape plan as a rough guide to massing of a new layer of shrubs and middle story trees.• Do not replicate the 1930s shrub and vine vocabulary as most of those plants are no longer acceptable due to invasiveness and growth habit. • Pay attention to the middle story and flowering trees and make an effort to understand its massing and adjust the new plantings to shape views and block unsightly additions to the park or off site conditions. • Use multi stem varieties of middle story trees not trees that have been limbed up for street tree use.• Add trees that will extend the flowering season and add other interest such as fall color.• The potential exists to do some substantial plantings using the Million Trees program in accordance with a landscape planting plan.


TODAY

The chemistry of the water in the lake is high in phos-phorous that encourages algae growth. Consequently, the beauty of the water is severely compromised. It is likely that the health of the aquatic ecosystem is also compromised.

The naturalized shoreline of the lake has provided good growing conditions for Phragmites which have out competed the plantings that were installed when the lake was restored.

Consequently, views from the shoreline and across the lake into the surrounding groves have been blocked.

Indian Lake, August 2014.

INDIAN LAKE: Diagnosis & Next StepsFUTURE

Our top goals for Indian Lake:

1. Understand the ecological condition of the Lake and

create a management plan.

2. Create educational and stewardship partnerships to

keep up Lake’s appearance and wellbeing.

3. Make the Lake a destination - a place to take a

family photo, canoe, enjoy a meal, explore the Nature

Center!

Indian Lake, April 2014.

HISTORYIndian Lake is actually a pond. When the Bronx was first settled, the area surrounding Indian Lake was among the finest forest downstate.

Initially part of the Morris family holdings, the Lake served many commercial pursuits. From the 1850s un-til Prohibition in the 1920s, Indian Lake provided ice to several nearby breweries, an integral part of the local economy.

In 1846, the land was sold to Andrew Bathgate, who opened the lake area for picnicking in the 1850s. The Zeltner family leased the lake for the winter months - running a beer house / dance hall as well as ice skat-ing on the lake.

In 1888, New York City purchased the park, yet for decades beforehand, Crotona Park was a community focal point for row boating, ice skating, fishing, and picnicking.

Indian Lake, 1934


UNDERSTAND, CARE FORECOLOGY

CREATE INNOVATIVE

PROGRAMMING

BUILD STRONG

PARTNERSHIPS

Perform limnology, water,

and soil tests to understand

current conditions.

Conduct a Bio Blitz - This will

allow the DPR to understand what

species reside in Indian Lake.

Create lake management

plan to rectify the excess

phosphorous issue.

Ensure a team of staff and

volunteers can help execute the

plan and implement.

Create an RFP to invite

boating in the lake.

Allow for fishing in the lake.

Outings with local groups.

Create programming around the

animals and ecosystem of the lake -

amphibians, fish, and more.

Utilize the Lake in Nature Center

programming and lessons.

Work with Urban Park Rangers to

include routine canoeing trips, use

staff to maintain Lake.

Create annual spring clean up days,

work with local churches, community

groups.

Engage youth in education

and stewardship: Girl / Boy

Scouts, Local Schools.

Create a formal partnership

with a NYC college or

University.

INDIAN LAKE: Improvement Plan

Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034Photos by Karl Crutchfield

Restore a Community Focal PointSince the 1800s, Indian Lake has been a focal point of Crotona Park. The deterioration of its water quality is a constant dissapointment. Improving the appearance of Indian Lake will be

a huge boost to the residents who use Crotona Park often. Indian Lake will be more vibrant than ever, as we plan to restore the Nature Center, add a cafe, and boat rental concession.

45

INDIAN LAKE: Restore Lake Appearance & Beauty


• This is a conceptual design for a pedestrian

bridge that would cross Crotona Avenue just

south of the Carry Leeds tennis center. It would

take advantage of the existing topography and

handicapped accessible slopes on the path

system so that it would not require stairs or

ramps.

• The bridge is sited to provide a continuous

scenic route through the park for walkers and

runners. A scenic loop, which is lit at night, is

of paramount importance for exercise and for

traversing the park. The bridge should be

Art-Modern in character, to be ensemble with

the pool.

CIRCULATION & SAFETY: Improving Walkabiltiy

Construct a Pedestrian Bridge Across Crotona Avenue

• Crotona Avenue and Claremont Parkway

cut the park into four pieces without

regard for pedestrian paths or park

beauty.

• There are no signalized pedestrian crossings

or adequate crosswalks.

• The cross Bronx expressway separates

Tremont Park from Crotona.

Major park paths cross Crotona Avenue without signals or crosswalks. Such crossings disrupt the park experience.

INTERIM SOLUTION

This interim solutions shows a crosswalk and pedestrian refuge island.

Improve CrosswalkEXISTING CONDITIONS

FUTURE SOLUTIONSITE LOCATION


CIRCULATION & SAFETY: Navigation, Walkability, Lighting & Public Art

• Create safe routes through the park at night by

concentratking activity.

• Design a scenic walk that has an orchestrated

set of views.

• Make use of simple signage to make it clear how to

reach popular destinations.

• Mark and measure a jogging loop.

Create Scenic Running and Strolling Loop, Install Lighting, Wayfinding Signage and Public Art Exhibits

Lighting Plan

Key

Nighttime “hot spots of activity”

Scenic Path Loop

Public Art Installation Sites


• The bicycle route striping and signage are jarring and

interfere with the beauty of the park.

The bicycle route striping and signage interfere with the beauty of the park.

The bicycle route striping signage should be replaced with park scale greenway signs.

EXISTING CONDITIONS

PROPOSED SOLUTION

Improve Bike Signage CIRCULATION & SAFETY: Improving Bikability

• The bicycle route through the park is not connected to the Bronx River Greenway or the Crotona ParkwayImprove Bike Paths and Connectivity

City-wide bike route plan with new bike routes.

Remove angle parking and continue striped bike route on E 174th St. Stripe on street bicycle route on E 175th St to Crotona Parkway.

Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034Photos by Karl Crutchfield 49

Over $2M in capital funding has been allocated for the renovation of the Nature Center. After reconstruction, Crotona Park will make the Nature Center a vital part of the park, open on a

daily basis for community, school and after school use.

SOCIAL LIFE, CULTURE & EDUCATION: Nature Center Engage the Public in Caring for Crotona Park’s Natural Area and Landscape Beauty


SOCIAL LIFE, CULTURE & EDUCATION: Revive Victory Garden

50

• Prune and thin trees to improve sunlight access to garden.• Install new fencing

• Provide water, storage and propagation area.• Provde a public sitting area inside the garden.


The current garden has a blighted appearance and lacks storage, water and propagation areas.

FUTURE SOLUTIONS FUTURE SOLUTIONS

The Garden of Life at 1685 Weeks Ave in the Bronx is a great example of what the Victory Garden can become (photographed above).


CROTONA PARK DESIGN VOCABULARY

51

New Parks signage.

Rodent proof trash and recycling containers in black. Traditional type B light fixture and pole.Improve seating area and use Crotona bench.

Crotona Park is remarkably intact 1930s Gilmore D. Clarke landscape

with Art Modern Architecture. Therefore the park vocabulary should stick

to elements common in that period, such as the B pole and Riverside

Park Luminare. The Crotona bench is unique to this park and should be

preserved as a signature element.

New architecture and structures should inflect towards modern

interpretations of Art Modern, romantic structures with cast iron or other

structural elements expressed, high relief abstracted nature motifs, and a

dose of exoticism.


SOCIAL LIFE, CULTURE & EDUCATION: Programming & Volunteerism

52

Photo by Karl Crutchfield Photo by Karl Crutchfield

Programming Volunteerism Programming is one of the things that lots of people want to do. It the park provides a

desirable venue, then other groups will step up to provide programming. This ranges

from concerts to Easter egg hunts. Since the park runs on a tight budget, it should be

understood with all permitees that events in the park are “public,” that the park will be

provided to them for their use clean and it must be returned clean.

Volunteerism is a joy, and a way for people who do not have private gardens to enjoy

the satisfaction of cultivation of a public place. It is worth the effort to organize and

support a broad range of citizen volunteerism from individuals who adopt a site - from

groups who work together on a regular basis to corporate and academic groups on

an irregular basis. Each of these must be supported with a firm understanding of their

scope of activity, supported with tools and materials and recognized for their efforts.


Many groups and local residents are leaving the park to find food and refreshments. To accommodate the desire for food within the park, we are proposing a cafe near Indian Lake and

the Nature Center. This will serve as an amenity to those using the Lake area recreationally and educationally. Additionally, this will be a great resource to those visiting the park.

53

SOCIAL LIFE, CULTURE & EDUCATION: New Indian Lake Concessions

Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 203454Photo by Karl Crutchfield

Constructed in a partnership between the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation and the New York Junior Tennis League, the Cary Leeds Center will house a two-story, 12,000-square-foot clubhouse and educational facility, which will be the flagship home for NYJTL coaches to provide free year-round instruction and play for young people.

The center will serve more than 30,000 families and children in and around Crotona Park. It will also provide space for educators to help young people improve their performance in school.

Rendering and information courtesy of New York Junior Tennis League.

NYJTL CARY LEEDS CENTER FOR TENNIS & LEARNING


Circulation and Security Improve park safety and beauty Cost

4,258,800

390,000

Decorative entrance lighting, benches, trash cans and orientation signage 600,000

Security cameras and cellular boxes for problem locations 1,000,000

Measured loop for running with signage and bike route modifications 125,000

Landscape the bridge to Tremont Park and widen sidewalk 280,000

DOT400,000

DOT300,000

DOT Beautify the Crotona Avenue and Claremont Parkway Intersection 4,000,000

Circulation and Security Total $11,353,800

Nature and Landscape BeautyRestore the scenic beauty of the park Cost Create four signature landscapes:

Winter Hill 350,000Long Meadow 1,700,000Vale of the Lake 1,000,000Prospect Hill 900,000

Plant flowering trees and shrubs of seasonal beauty 500,000Buffer undesirable views 500,000Beautify the park perimeter 1,500,000Restore the Lake shoreline, the Cascade and the Rill 1,500,000EXPENSE BUDGETImplement the Forest Management Plan and care for park landscape $200,000 Restore Indian Lake, remove algae and Phragmites $70,000

Nature and Landscape Total $7,950,000

Estimates are in 2015 dollars including Design 10%, Construction Insection 10%, Construction Contingency 10%

Estimates are in 2015 dollars including Design 10%, Construction Insection 10%, Construction Contingency 10%

Construct a scenic pedestrian bridge over Crotona Avenue: Art Moderne precast concrete shallow arch bridge, graduated T section, custom stainless steel railings and supports for an arc of stainless steel net and integral bridge lighting. 120 foot span, 12 feet wide, bearing on rock outcropping.

Crotona Avenue bridge approaches: Path paving, structural curbs, new path lighting, 30' wide landscape

Two signalized pedestrian crossings on Crotona Avenue: Bring intersection into compliance with Vision Zero

Bicycle route connections to Crotona Parkway and Bronx River Greenway: Striping of streets and greenway signage

Per yearPer year

MAJOR PROJECTS SUMMARY DRAFT


MAJOR PROJECTS SUMMARY DRAFT


CROTONA PARK MASTER PLAN: CREDITS

57

NYC Parks

Office of Parklands and PlanningAlyssa Cobb-Konan, Assistant CommissionerNicholas Molinari, Chief of Planning & Parklands Charles McKinney, Principal Urban Designer

Katerina Athanasiou, Conservation Corps FellowRucha Mandlik, Planning and Parklands InternDana Wall, Planning and Parklands Intern

Crotona Park Administrator’s OfficePortia Dyrenforth, Park Administrator

Capital ProjectsAndrew Penzi, Bronx Team LeaderRenatta Sokolowski, Deputy Team Leader

crotona and tremont park master plan june 2015

Documents