CROTONA & TREMONT PARK MASTER PLAN JUNE 2015
Photo by Karl Crutchfield
PURPOSE OF THE MASTER PLAN
CONTENTS
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.
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. What kind of park will it be?
PURPOSE & SUMMARY Purpose & Contents...............................................2 Location & Historical Context.............................3-4 Assets & Challenges..............................................5 Main Issues............................................................6 Vision & Major Projects..........................................7
INFORMATION GATHERING Hydrological Context & Park Comparison...............9 Park Evolution & History...................................10-11 Prior Plans & Studies.......................................12-15
A park where we love to play, stroll, explore and share good times with our friends and community.
Health Profile.........................................................16 Who We Talked To.................................................17 Community Goal Summary....................................18 Community Postcards from 2034..........................19 Community Workshops....................................20-23
SITE ANALYSIS & MAJOR GOALS Demographics & Recreational Needs..................25 Site Analysis.........................................................26 Major Goals..........................................................27
CONCEPTUAL PLAN & PROJECTS Concept Plan.......................................................29 Project List & Budget...........................................55 Credits..................................................................56 Photo by Karl Crutchfield
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034 2
LOCATION
CITY
NEIGHBORHOOD
8 miles
2 miles SITE
.2 miles
3
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
CONTEXT
Bronx Parks System
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. 7
8
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: 6
“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
2
and commands an extensive view of the surrounding country, bringing within the range
6
Tremont Park
of vision the Palisades and the piers of the Brooklyn Bridge. From its former name of
1
Bathgate Woods it is evident that in the essential matter of shade it is liberally provided.
Crotona Parkway Malls
Of all the parks it is in fact conspicuous in this respect, and among its fine old forest
Crotona Park
9
trees, luxuriant in their foliage, can be reckoned the oak, the elm, the magnolia, the
Bronx River
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 3
the centre of a district that in less than a decade is destined to have within its bounds a
4 5
large portion of the population north of the Harlem.”
4
1
Claremont Park
4
Soundview Park
7
Van Cortlandt Park
2
Bronx Park
5
Ferry Point Park
8
Riverdale Park
3
St. Mary’s Park
6
Pelham Bay Park
9
John Mullaly Park
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
ASSETS & CHALLENGES Major Assets
1 The park’s topographic variety and underlying beauty is notable.
Historically significant places and structures: 2 Indian Lake, the Crotona Pool house and Tremont Park. HISTORIC TREE GROVE
SCENIC LANDSCAPE
INDIAN LAKE
3 Large trees and established groves. RECREATION
4 It has many recreational facilities used for team sports and neighborhood uses that are well integrated into the landscape.
Major Challenges
5 The path system confuses many visitors and
is distrupted by the streets that cut through the park.
6 Poorly lit and isolated areas in the park discourage use.
7 The landscape lacks seasonal beauty and spatial WEAK LANDSCAPE VIEWS
ISOLATED AREAS
ALGAE & PHRAGMITES
LACK OF CLEAR CONTINUOUS PATHS
distinction.
8 Reoccurring algae and phragmites in Indian Lake.
9 Needs more year-round facilities for seniors, teens and adolescents.
10 Surrounded by an underserved neighborhood. 5
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
MAIN ISSUES
Tremont Park
Unused large builiding
North Zone
Tremont Tremont Playground -1 Playground -1
Old Borough Old Borough Hall Site Hall Site
Poor connection from tennis courts to park entrance on Fulton Ave near Bathgate plgd No crosswalk
Tremont Tremont Park Park
Grand steps to old borough hall site: potentially a community centerpiece
Limited parking for Tennis Center
Old borough hall site
Future Cary Leeds Center
Handball Handball Courts Courts
Ballfield Ballfield
CC RO
SSSBB Cross Bronx Expressway separatesRO RR OO NN XX EEXXPR Crotona Park and Tremont Park PREESSSW
EAST for Tennis & Learning: will be a magnet Phragmites unattractive landscape TREMONT
Tremont Tremont Playground Playground-2 -2
SWAAYY
CROTO CROTONA PAR NA PA KWAY RKWAY MALLS MALLS
Historic fountain moved to City Hall; replaced with planter
Help USA: Homeless shelter needs park activites Beautiful & unique Bald Cypress trees
Handball courts intrude on scenic landscape
Sledding Sledding Area Area
CLAREMONT CLAREMONT VILLAGE VILLAGE
Crotona Crotona Playground Playground (NW (NWcorner) corner)
Hylan Park
Ballfield# #3 3 Ballfield
No good bike lane connection to Crotona Parkway
Northwest Zone
Poor connection between Crotona Park and Crotona Parkway Malls
Pool Pool House House
FU FULTON LTO A N AVEN VE U E NU E
Ballfield fences interrupt flow of meadow Flooding behind Bathgate Plgd Important forest & scenic landscape with long views
Tennis Tennis House House
Tennis Tennis courts courts
Prospect Park Park Prospect Playground Playground Basketball Basketball Court Court
Tennis Tennis courts courts Crotona Crotona Playground Playground (NE (NE Corner) Corner)
Ballfield # 2 Ballfield # 2
Unsafe pedestrian crossing
CR CROT OO TONA NAA AVVE ENNU UEE
CaryLeeds Leeds Cary Centerfor forTennis Tennis Center & Learning & Learning
Handball & Handball & Basketball Basketball Courts Courts
Homeless family residence with need for park activities Park perimeter offers limited activities for the neighborhood
Hank Greenberg Greenberg Hank Ballfield ## 55 Ballfield
Pool Pool
Spray Spray Shower Shower
The pool house has important character, but is not year-round
Park Needs Park needs a football / soccer field, track, skate park, dog run, senior citizenseating areas, defined running loop, a multipurpose community center and maintenance facilities.
Roberto Clemente Clemente Roberto Ballfield ## 44 Ballfield
Bathgate Bathgate Playground Playground
Lack of street trees on the perimeter to buffer the street
Hylan Hylan Park Park
(Under construction) (Under construction)
Indian Indian Lake Lake
Handball & Handball & Basketball Basketball Courts Courts
Playground Playground of the Stars of the Stars
Nature Nature Center Center
Carter Carter Playground Playground
Handball & Handball & Basketball Basketball Courts Courts
KEY
Picnic Picnic Area Area
Crotona Crotona Amphitheater Amphitheater
CLARE ON CLAREMM ONTTPPKW KW Y Y
Soccer Soccer Field Field
Scenic landscape
Hill & Dale Hill & Dale Playground Playground Boxcar Boxcar Playground Playground
Connection
174 174 th th Steet Steet Station Station
Indian Lake & Picnic Area
Algae and phragmites ruin the lake health & appearance
Important feature Landscape feature Under utilized area Poor drainage Good view Poor view Critical issue
Ballfield # 1 Ballfield # 1
Victory Victory Garden Garden Clinton Clinton Playground Playground Basketball
Picnic area and handball courts view detracts from amphitheater
Perimeter needs improvement
Martin Van Buren Martin Van Buren Playground Playground
Court Basketball Court
6
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
VISION
What major projects are included?
Crotona Park will be the most beautiful park in the Bronx and a haven for the community with recreational opportunities for every age.
Proposed park plan showing new facilities and landscapes. 7
1. A landscape plan to improve scenic beauty 2. Restoration of Indian Lake 3. Restoration and conversion of the pool building to a year-round recreation center 4. One multipurpose field 5. One 1/8 mile track 6. One skate park 7. One dog park 8. Four comfort stations 9. Pedestrian bridge over Crotona Avenue 10. Indian Lake cafĂŠ and boat rental 11. Picnic house for community rental and cultural activities 12. Seating and activity areas for seniors 13. Park maintenance facility with secure storage for vehicles 14. Improved park path safety and beauty 15. 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 Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
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INFORMATION GATHERING 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.
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Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
HYDROLOGICAL CONTEXT & PARK AREA COMPARISON Indian Lake is a naturally occurring pond that captures the
These drawings show how Crotona Park’s lakes and lawns compare to those in Prospect Park.
runoff from the surrounding park. Historically it fed the Bungay or Bound Brook that flowed south near Southern Boulevard before reaching the Harlem River.
Bronx Watershed Map - 1873
Crotona Park, 142.5 Acres
Spuyten Duyvil
MANHATTAN
2 miles
Nethermead
Tremont Park
Harlem River
Prospect Park, 562.3 Acres Long Meadow
Long Meadow
Crotona Park Indian Lake Bronx River Bungay or Bound Brook BRONX
Harlem River
Prospect Hill
Indian Lake
9
Prospect Park Lake Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
PARK EVOLUTION & HISTORY 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.
- A new boathouse was built in 1928 along with the old “Farm Garden� to teach children about plant science, conservation, nutrition, and hygiene.
- New public activities like ice skating, warming hut, concession stands were installed near the Indian lake.
- From 1934 to 1960s new recreational facilities like one Olympic size swimming pool and bathhouse, five baseball fields, twenty tennis courts, and nine playgrounds were constructed.
- Natural shoreline of the lake was replaced with concrete walls and lake perimeter was paved.
Existing conditions, 1935.
1937 aerial view of Crotona Park in construction.
- New park paths, four comfort stations, picnic, and sitting areas were added.
- 300 American Elms were planted around the lake.
- Cross Bronx Expressway was built between 1948 and 1972.
Indian Pond in Crotona Park, 1905.
1937 aerial view of Crotona Park Pool. 10
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
PARK EVOLUTION & HISTORY 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.
- 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.
- Major pool and bathhouse restoration was carried out in 1984.
- Construction of Crotona amphitheater and lake restoration was carried out in 2009.
- Urban Park Rangers made the park a base for environmental education, leading walks and tours with focus on children.
Crotona Park amphitheater, 2014.
- 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. Indian Lake in Crotona Park, 2014.
Tremont stairs in 1980s. 11
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
PRIOR PLANS & STUDIES Partnership for the Future 197a Plan 1992 Bronx Community Board 3
In 1992, Bronx Community Board 3 produced the 197a Plan, a community-based master plan for their neighborhood. In it, Crotona Park was noted.
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.”
12
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
PRIOR PLANS & STUDIES Crotona Park Restoration and Management Plan 2000 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
2
The park as a place for families and
3
Indian Lake as the heart of the park.
4
The park as the home of world class sports
5
The park as a place that links and connects
place to experience nature.
children.
and recreation facilities.
the surrounding communities instead of separating them.
6
The park as a haven from traffic.
7
Facilities in the park that are appropriately
8
A strong and cohesive identity throughout
9
The park as a place to celebrate community
sited and well-maintained.
the park.
history. 13
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
PRIOR PLANS & STUDIES Crotona Park Urban Forest Management Plan 2004 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 management strategies. The plan examined the past and present forest resources in Crotona Park, giving the following recommendations for its future. Management Goals:
1
Canopy cover and public health Protect and improve tree canopy
2 3
Passive recreation Create inviting spaces for formal and informal gatherings Aesthetic value Maintain and enhance
4
Wildlife habitat Manage the park to encourage song birds through building nest boxes, planting trees and reducing predators.
5
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.
6
Views Identify viewshed elements
7
Cultural heritage and current use Address cultural landscape protection. Currently the park
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.
lacks winter foliage.
8
Education Young tree adoption. Great tree walk. 14
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
PRIOR PLANS & STUDIES The Reconstruction of Tremont Park 2007 Abel Bainson and Butz 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.
15
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
HEALTH PROFILE NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene 2012 Epiquery Community Health Profiles
Hospital District
South Bronx
% at avg. weight or less
34
% over weight
35
% obese
30
Exercised in last 30 days Yes / No
71 / 29
Racial composition of the South Bronx 136,000 Hispanic 60,000 Black 3,000 Asian 3,000 White
For Comparison..
Kingsbridge/ Riverdale Upper West Side
49
32
19
78 / 21
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.
55
29
17 16
88 / 12
- 88% is the highest exercise rate in NYC, located on the Upper West Side in Manhattan.
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
COMMUNITY CONCERNS: Who We Talked To
All photos courtesy of The Friends of Crotona Park
•
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
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Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
COMMUNITY GOAL SUMMARY 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. Community Brainstorm Map Crotona Park April, November 2014
ZONE 5
ZONE 5
ZONE 1
1. Provide an easier connection to the park from 174th EAST street subway station TREMONT 2. Mini golf course north of tennis fields 3. Skate Park in Hylan park 4. Improve drainage and surveillance for ball fields 5. Handball courts: need repair 6. Designate dog park 7. Add comfort station
Handball Courts
Ballfield
CROSS 1. Pool Building - Construct indoor playground BRONX EXPRE SSWAY for winter use, clean the pool, add surveillance cameras, plant a flower garden east of pool building 2. Bathgate Playground - add more seating and more shade trees, prevent from flooding 3. Add a safe path connecting Tennis house to park exit on the north side of Bathgate playground CLAREMONT 4. Remove ball field for more liberal use of the Ballfield # 3 VILLAGE lawn 5. Construct a waterfall/flowing water system to Bathgate the south of ball field Playground Pool 6. Increase lighting on the Central N/S path House 7. Designate a dog park 8. Add a safe path connecting Tennis house to ZONE 1 Pool park exit on the north side of Bathgate playground 9. Smoke free playgrounds 10. Build new comfort station
ZONE 4
Tremont Playground -2
Sledding Area
Crotona Playground (NW corner)
ZONE 3
FU LTO N A VE NU E
Tennis House
6. Designate a Dog Park 7. Add benches throughout
Prospect Park Playground Basketball Court
Tennis courts
ZONE 4
AV EN UE Ballfield # 2
Indian Lake
ZONE 3
Hylan Park
Soccer Field Nature Center
Handball & Basketball Courts
Picnic Area
Crotona Amphitheater
Hill & Dale Playground Boxcar Playground Carter Playground
CLAREMON T PK WY
Playground of the Stars
Crotona Playground (NE Corner)
(Under construction)
CR OT ON A
1. Provide more benches on the western path 2. Clinton Playground: expand 3. Playground of the Stars: build swings for all ages, increase lighting 4. Increase lighting on circular pathways and baseball field 5. Add swings for all ages
Hank Greenberg Ballfield # 5
Tennis courts
Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning
Handball & Basketball Courts
1. Build new soccer field with track at Boxcar playground 2. Indian Lake - clean the lake, introduce boating add payphone, Gazebos, fences, food concessions, fountain or a bird bath south of Indian bridge and
Roberto Clemente Ballfield # 4
Spray Shower
ZONE 2
PARKW AY MA LLS
Tremont Park
1. Connect Crotona and Tremont Parks. 2. Add soccer field 3. Increase lighting in SW Tremont park 4. Construct new entrance - NE corner. 5. Solarium at old borough hall. 6. Mounted police officers. 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. CROTO NA
Tremont Playground -1
Old Borough Hall Site
Handball & Basketball Courts
ZONE 2 Ballfield # 1
Victory Garden
Martin Van Buren Playground Clinton Playground
174 th Steet Station
a carrousel 3. Construct a low-cost park eatery to the south of tennis fields 4. Add more parking on Crotona Ave near Tennis fields 5. Charlotte St Entrance feels unsafe 6. Carter Playground: renovate 7. Nature Center: reopen 8. Add comfort station 9. BBQ area needs to be cleaned up 10. Mounted Park Ranger stable.
Basketball Court
18
CLAREMONT
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
Crotona Park M
POSTCARDS FROM 2034: What Community Members Imagined Dear Fam ily,
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urn to Crotona Park 20 years from today, I will ret ere citizens BBQ to see great green pastures wh ing sessions one in peace, and to join the camp
I had a gr eat time bo ating on th e lake at C last summe rotona Par r and my k k id is now th e best play Crotona H er on the ockey Team .
. night during summer months
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Today my Grandkids and I took a blanket and lay down under a beautiful tree and read our books. Like our moms did.
-Sol R.
19
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS: June Community Workshop Goals 1
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.
2
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. •
3
4
5
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.
6
Maintenance • Keep bathrooms clean. • More trash cans needed. • Clean pool.
7
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.
8
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.
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. 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. 20
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS: Community Board Six Goals Tremont Park
1
2
3
4
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
1
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
21
2
Facilities • Gazebo
3
Maintenance • Staff cleanup • Clean bathroom • Roberto Clemente needs facelift
• • •
Litter removal Bring back mounted police Health walk trail markers
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS: Tremont Merchants Association Goals 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.
1
2
Recreation •
In 1960s: summer events,
3
General Ideas •
“Live work play” space
carousels, fields packed
•
Activate the park
•
Can’t live in the past, need
•
Make the park a destination
to make park a destination
•
Add recreation and more
•
More programming
programming
•
Add sports fields instead of
replacing fountain
•
Playgrounds
•
Administrative / permit office
•
Add track
•
Café
•
Renovate abandoned red
building
Safety
4
Facilities
•
Lighting is a major problem
•
Build a new community
both around park and in park
center at site of old borough
•
More Parks Enforcement
hall
Officers
22
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS: Mary Mitchell Community Center
We talked to teenagers at the Mary Mitchell Community Center about what they wanted to see in their park.
1
Recreation • Indoor gym • Parkour / Skate park • More soccer fields • Community Center • Volleyball courts • Secure indoor gym • Indoor basketball
2
Facility • Bathrooms in every park • Add more restrooms
3
Programming • Greenhouses • Seasonal family Olympics • Community garden • Free tennis lessons for all
4
Safety • Security cameras • More enforcement • More lighting throughout • Repave paths • More Park Rangers
23
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
SITE ANALYSIS AND MAJOR GOALS Investigate the existing conditions of the site to determine opportunities and constraints. Identify the major goals that must be addressed.
Photo by Karl Crutchfield
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Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
DEMOGRAPHICS & RECREATIONAL NEEDS • • • •
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.
Population (65yrs +)
Population (0-9yrs) 0 - 281 281 - 534 534 - 801
Population (10-64yrs) 0 - 2032
0 - 239 239 - 469
2032 - 3448
469 - 800
3448 - 5045
801 - 1194
5045 - 9685
800 - 1869
1194 - 2134
9685 - 18502
1869 - 6272
25
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
SITE ANALYSIS Unused large builiding
Old borough hall site: possible covered activity structure
Limited parking for Tennis Center Future Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning: will be a magnet
Handball Handball Courts Courts
Ballfield Ballfield
People congregating & sleeping CC RR OO on the sidewalk along the park SSSBR Historic fountain moved to City Hall; replaced with planter
Poor connection from tennis courts to park entrance on Fulton Ave near Bathgate plgd No crosswalk
Tremont Tremont Park Park
Grand steps to old borough hall site: potentially a community centerpiece
Scenic landscape & long views
North Zone
Tremont Tremont Playground -1 Playground -1
Old Borough Old Borough Hall Site Hall Site
BR OO NN XX EEXXPR PREESSSSW WAAYY
EAST Phragmites unattractive landscape TREMONT
Tremont Tremont Playground Playground-2 -2
Help USA: Homeless shelter needs park activites Improve forest for bird habitat Beautiful & unique Bald Cypress trees
Ballfield in poor condition & too small
Handball courts intrude on scenic landscape
Poor connection between Crotona Park and Tremont Park Sledding Sledding Area Area
Vacant green space adjacent to BX Expressway, can connect Crotona & Tremont Parks
CLAREMONT CLAREMONT VILLAGE VILLAGE
Crotona Crotona Playground Playground (NW (NWcorner) corner)
Hylan Park
Ballfield# #3 3 Ballfield
No good bike lane connection to Crotona Parkway
Northwest Zone Roberto Clemente Clemente Roberto Ballfield ## 44 Ballfield
Bathgate Bathgate Playground Playground
Lack of street trees on the perimeter to buffer the street Sledding area Ballfield fences interrupt flow of meadow
FU FULTON LTO A N AVEN VE U E NU E
Pool Pool House House
Flooding behind Bathgate Plgd Important forest & scenic landscape with long views
Tennis Tennis House House
Tennis Tennis courts courts
Basketball Basketball Court Court
Poor connection between Crotona Park and Crotona Parkway Malls Crotona Crotona Playground Playground (NE (NE Corner) Corner)
Ballfield # 2 Ballfield # 2
CR CROT OO TONA NAA AVVE ENNU UEE
CaryLeeds Leeds Cary Centerfor forTennis Tennis Center & Learning &(Under Learning construction)
Unsafe pedestrian crossing
Too much sidewalk creates poor park image Very nice London Plane allee
Indian Indian Lake Lake
Y
Handball & Handball & Basketball Basketball Courts Courts
Carter Carter Playground Playground
Playground Playground of the Stars of the Stars Ballfield # 1 Ballfield # 1
Clinton Clinton Playground Playground Basketball
Park entrance lacks character
Soccer Soccer Field Field Nature Nature Center Center
Picnic Picnic Area Area
Crotona Crotona Amphitheater Amphitheater
CLARE ON CLAREMM ONTTPPKW KW Y
Victory Victory Garden Garden
Hylan Hylan Park Park
(Under construction)
South Zone
Senior citizens need a pleasant spot to use
Hylan park is isolated
Prospect Park Park Prospect Playground Playground
Tennis Tennis courts courts
Handball & Handball & Basketball Basketball Courts Courts
Homeless family residence with need for park activities Park perimeter offers limited activities for the neighborhood
Hank Greenberg Greenberg Hank Ballfield ## 55 Ballfield
Pool Pool
Spray Spray Shower Shower
The pool house has important character, but is not year-round
Heavily used playground No water supply or maintenance shed at Victory garden
CROTO CROTONA PAR NA PA KWAY RKWAY MALLS MALLS
Tremont Park
Martin Van Buren Martin Van Buren Playground Playground
Handball & Handball & Basketball Basketball Courts Courts
Hill & Dale Hill & Dale Playground Playground Boxcar Boxcar Playground Playground
174 174 th th Steet Steet Station Station
Indian Lake & Picnic Area
KEY Scenic landscape
Algae and phragmites ruin the lake health & appearance Overused picnic area with poor visual appearance Picnic area and handball courts view detracts from amphitheater
Connection Important feature Landscape feature Under utilized area Poor drainage Good view Poor view Critical issue
Pond collects litter & requires more frequent cleaning
Court Basketball Court
26
Perimeter needs improvement
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
MAJOR GOALS
Nature and Landscape Beauty
Circulation and Safety
Recreation and New Facilities
Social Life, Culture and Education
Make Crotona Park the most beautiful park in the Bronx.
Provide a safe, continuous, and beautiful pedestrian path system.
Restore the lake appearance and beauty.
Provide routes for scenic walks and runs.
Add new recreational facilities and programs for youth like football, soccer and skateboarding.
Provide ways of engaging the public in caring for the park’s arboreal legacy and historic significance.
Provide more activities and sitting areas for seniors.
Provide focal point for community and family activities.
Provide indoor areas for exercise and community use.
Improve the functionality and beauty of Crotona Pool.
Provide comfort stations in areas of concentrated use.
Volunteer center, greenhouse, Nature Center, Cary Leeds Center are all opportunities for education.
Enhance and promote the beauty and cultural landscape of Crotona Park. Prepare a landscape planting plan to guide future planting and forest management. Implement the Crotona Park Urban Forest Management plan.
Improve park perimeter. Create welcoming entrances with social seating. Enhance way finding in the park by providing attractive signage. Establish a park wide security network.
Provide indoor and outdoor spaces for social gathering.
Improve pedestrian crossings at Crotona Avenue.
Maintain and improve existing fields and courts.
Connect the bike route to the on-street network. 27
Provide venues for picnicking.
Integrate Cary Leeds Tennis Center into the life of the park. Provide food and boat rental. Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
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
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
CONCEPT PLAN B
6
Tremont Playground -1
E
Old Borough Hall Site
13
Tremont Park
SOCIAL LIFE, CULTURE & EDUCATION
RECREATION AND NEW FACILITIES
Tremont Playground -2
EXPRE SSWAY
Provide indoor & outdoor space for social gathering
12 8
CIRCULATION & SECURITY
Modify the pool building for use as year-round recreation center
B
New comfort station
C
Cafe and boating
D
Skate park
E
Gymnasium
F
Dog park
G
Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning
H
Picnic house
I
Senior activity area
K
1/8 mile track with exercise equipment
L
Football/Soccer synthetic surface field
2
PARKW AY MA LLS
BRONX
EAST TREMONT
A
Sledding Area
CLAREMONT Provide a safe & attractive connection VILLAGE between Crotona & Tremont Park
Crotona Playground (NW corner) Ballfield # 3
Scenic running and walking path loop
Bathgate Playground Pool House
Enhance way-finding in the park by providing signage
FU LTO N A VE
Enhance scenic enjoyment
10
Establish a park wide security network of call boxes
Tennis courts
B
Prospect Park Playground
7
Enhance park entrance
8
Create attractive winter landscape for sledding
9
Beautify landscape views. Reveal water source & create cascade with circulation pump
7 Tennis courts
13
9
10 Crotona
G
K
D
Playground (NE Corner)
Cary Leeds Center for Tennis & Learning
AV EN UE
H
CR OT ON A
Indian Lake
Scenic pedestrian bridge over Crotona Avenue
15
C Nature Center
Handball & Basketball Courts
5
K
2 10
KK
F B
B
Handball & Basketball Courts
Martin Van Buren Playground
12
Plant conifer trees
13
Add seating with tables and activity area
14
Connect bike route to Crotona Parkway and Bronx River Greenway
15
Reroute bike lane
Crosswalk Scenic landscape Winter landscape
Bridges
Prepare a Landscape Master Plan
Clinton Playground
10
Beautify landscape
Protect and enhance scenic landscape zone, add winter foliage & native trees
Ballfield # 1
Victory Garden
14
174 th Steet
Provide Stationlandscape buffer for courts & fields throughout the park Improve visual appearance of Crotona Avenue
3
Playground of the Stars
1
4
Carter Playground
NATURE & LANDSCAPE BEAUTY
Provide seating area with outdoor exercise equipment
11
14
Improve appearance of Indian Lake. Add food and activities.
Hill & Dale Playground Boxcar Playground
CLAREMON I T PKW Y
Soccer Field
Picnic Area
Crotona Amphitheater
Hylan Park
7 F
(Under construction)
B
10
Basketball Court
10
Spray Shower
Ballfield # 2
7
Tennis House
11
Pool
Handball & Basketball Courts
Add crosswalks for pedestrian safety and connections
8
A
NU E
K
L Hank Greenberg Ballfield # 5
Explore urban design solutions to make the intersection a feature
Extend London Plane allee 4 Clean the pond and add water cascade feature 5 Buffer picnic ground and BBQ area 6 Construction of food concession and rest room
7 Roberto Clemente Ballfield # 4
Provide a garden shed and water
3
CROTO NA
Handball Courts
Ballfield
Promote and enhance the scenic landscape & arboreal legacy of the park.
Concept Plan Crotona Park February 2015
1
L
Rehabilitate & repurpose the historic staircase and old borough hall site.
CROSS
CONCEPT PLAN NOTES
Basketball Court
I
29
CLAREMONT
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
RECREATION & NEW FACILITIES: Restore Pool House & Convert to Year-Round Use 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 configured 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.
30
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
RECREATION & NEW FACILITIES: Restore Pool House & Convert to Year-Round Use 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.
View of gymnasium.
Original rendering of gymnasium. 31
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
RECREATION & NEW FACILITIES: Possible Sites for Multipurpose Field 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.
All of the potential sites for a multipurpose field in Crotona Park. 32
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
RECREATION & NEW FACILITIES: New Multipurpose Field 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.
Best site identified for a new multipurpose field.
Current conditions at the site identified. 33
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
RECREATION & NEW FACILITIES: New Dog Run & Skate Park Establish a New Dog Run in Crotona Park
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
Skateboarders enjoy Skate the Cape Shred Festival in Fort Miles section of Cape Henlopen State Park in Delaware. Courtesy of axsgear.com.
Proposed location of dog run.
34
Skateboarding in Vermont, courtesy of enthuzed.com.
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
RECREATION & NEW FACILITIES: New Maintenance Facility & Picnic House New Track Facility
New Picnic House
1/8 mile track with outdoor exercise equipment for all ages.
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.
35
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
RECREATION & NEW FACILITIES: Tremont Park Tremont Park was once a “Town square’” with the Borough hall and a formal area focused on a fountain. The Borough hall was demolished and the decorative centerpiece 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.
Deteriorated condition of the steps in 1980.
New lawn and playgrounds in 2014.
Borough Hall and terrace.
36
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
RECREATION & NEW FACILITIES: Tremont Park Make 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.
37
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
NATURE & LANDSCAPE BEAUTY: Implement a Landscape Planting Plan Make Crotona the Most Beautiful Park in the Bronx Crotona Park has the notable topography and underlying beauty but it has never had a landscape plan that amplifies the unique character of the different 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. However, 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 unfortunate backdrop for the amphitheater.
38
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
NATURE & LANDSCAPE BEAUTY: Implement a Landscape Planting Plan 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 landscape.
EXISTING CONDITIONS Winter Hill existing conditions.
EXISTING CONDITIONS Example of handball walls that interfere with scenic beauty.
EXISTING CONDITIONS Remove thicket and open view of Long Meadow.
PROPOSED SOLUTION Long Meadow.
PROPOSED SOLUTION Photoshop rendering of Winter Hill with evergreen trees. 39
PROPOSED SOLUTION Photoshop rendering of evergreens planted to improve view. Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
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 perimeter traffic which should be screened with attractive plantings.
View of entrance to Hylan Park. This could be greatly improved with the addition of flowering trees, which would also enclose the park in beauty.
View of wooden fence on Crotona Avenue which should be replaced with 3-foot steel picket fence.
40
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
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.
EXISTING CONDITIONS
EXISTING CONDITIONS
Current entrances feature unattractive vandalism proof benches.
Park entrance with potential.
PROPOSED SOLUTIONS Improve seating area and use Crotona bench.
PROPOSED SOLUTIONS 41
Use trees and shrubs of seasonal beauty to envelop visitors
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
NATURE & LANDSCAPE BEAUTY: Implement a Landscape Planting Plan 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.
42
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
INDIAN LAKE: Diagnosis & Next Steps HISTORY Indian 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 until 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 skating on the lake.
TODAY
FUTURE
The chemistry of the water in the lake is high in phosphorous 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.
Our top goals for Indian Lake:
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.
2. Create educational and stewardship partnerships to
Consequently, views from the shoreline and across the lake into the surrounding groves have been blocked.
1. Understand the ecological condition of the Lake and create a management plan.
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!
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
Indian Lake, April 2014.
Indian Lake, August 2014. 43
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
INDIAN LAKE: Improvement Plan UNDERSTAND, CARE FOR ECOLOGY
BUILD STRONG PARTNERSHIPS
CREATE INNOVATIVE PROGRAMMING
Perform limnology, water,
Work with Urban Park Rangers to
Create an RFP to invite
and soil tests to understand
include routine canoeing trips, use
boating in the lake.
current conditions.
staff to maintain Lake.
Conduct a Bio Blitz - This will
Create annual spring clean up days,
Allow for fishing in the lake.
allow the DPR to understand what
work with local churches, community
Outings with local groups.
species reside in Indian Lake.
groups.
Create lake management
Engage youth in education
Create programming around the
plan to rectify the excess
and stewardship: Girl / Boy
animals and ecosystem of the lake -
phosphorous issue.
Scouts, Local Schools.
amphibians, fish, and more.
Ensure a team of staff and
Create a formal partnership
Utilize the Lake in Nature Center
volunteers can help execute the
with a NYC college or
programming and lessons.
plan and implement.
University. 44
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
INDIAN LAKE: Restore Lake Appearance & Beauty Restore a Community Focal Point Since 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.
Photos by Karl Crutchfield
45
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
CIRCULATION & SAFETY: Improving Walkabiltiy Improve Crosswalk
• Crotona Avenue and Claremont Parkway
EXISTING CONDITIONS
cut the park into four pieces without
INTERIM SOLUTION
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.
This interim solutions shows a crosswalk and pedestrian refuge island.
Construct a Pedestrian Bridge Across Crotona Avenue
• This is a conceptual design for a pedestrian
bridge that would cross Crotona Avenue just
SITE LOCATION
FUTURE SOLUTION
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.
46
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
CIRCULATION & SAFETY: Navigation, Walkability, Lighting & Public Art Create Scenic Running and Strolling Loop, Install Lighting, Wayfinding Signage and Public Art Exhibits •
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.
Key Lighting Plan Scenic Path Loop Nighttime “hot spots of activity” Public Art Installation Sites
47
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
CIRCULATION & SAFETY: Improving Bikability Improve Bike Signage
Improve Bike Paths and Connectivity
• The bicycle route striping and signage are jarring and
• The bicycle route through the park is not connected to the Bronx River Greenway or the Crotona Parkway
interfere with the beauty of the park.
EXISTING CONDITIONS The bicycle route striping and signage interfere with the beauty of the park.
Remove angle parking and continue striped bike route on E 174th St. Stripe on street bicycle route on E 175th St to Crotona Parkway.
PROPOSED SOLUTION The bicycle route striping signage should be replaced with park scale greenway signs. City-wide bike route plan with new bike routes. 48
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
SOCIAL LIFE, CULTURE & EDUCATION: Nature Center Engage the Public in Caring for Crotona Park’s Natural Area and Landscape Beauty 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.
Photos by Karl Crutchfield
49
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
SOCIAL LIFE, CULTURE & EDUCATION: Revive Victory Garden The current garden has a blighted appearance and lacks storage, water and propagation areas. • •
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.
EXISTING CONDITIONS
EXISTING CONDITIONS
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). 50
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
CROTONA PARK DESIGN VOCABULARY 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.
New Parks signage.
Improve seating area and use Crotona bench.
Traditional type B light fixture and pole. 51
Rodent proof trash and recycling containers in black. Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
SOCIAL LIFE, CULTURE & EDUCATION: Programming & Volunteerism Programming
Volunteerism
Programming is one of the things that lots of people want to do. It the park provides a
Volunteerism is a joy, and a way for people who do not have private gardens to enjoy
desirable venue, then other groups will step up to provide programming. This ranges
the satisfaction of cultivation of a public place. It is worth the effort to organize and
from concerts to Easter egg hunts. Since the park runs on a tight budget, it should be
support a broad range of citizen volunteerism from individuals who adopt a site - from
understood with all permitees that events in the park are “public,� that the park will be
groups who work together on a regular basis to corporate and academic groups on
provided to them for their use clean and it must be returned clean.
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.
Photo by Karl Crutchfield
Photo by Karl Crutchfield 52
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
SOCIAL LIFE, CULTURE & EDUCATION: New Indian Lake Concessions 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
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
NYJTL CARY LEEDS CENTER FOR TENNIS & LEARNING 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 twostory, 12,000-squarefoot 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.
Photo by Karl Crutchfield
54
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
MAJOR PROJECTS SUMMARY DRAFT Circulation and Security
Estimates are in 2015 dollars including Design 10%, Construction Insection 10%, Construction Contingency 10%
Improve park safety and beauty 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
390,000
Decorative entrance lighting, benches, trash cans and orientation signage Security cameras and cellular boxes for problem locations Measured loop for running with signage and bike route modifications Landscape the bridge to Tremont Park and widen sidewalk Two signalized pedestrian crossings on Crotona Avenue: Bring intersection into compliance with Vision
600,000
DOT Zero
Bicycle route connections to Crotona Parkway and Bronx River Greenway: Striping of streets
DOT and greenway signage DOT
Cost 4,258,800
Beautify the Crotona Avenue and Claremont Parkway Intersection Circulation and Security Total
Nature and Landscape Beauty
1,000,000 125,000 280,000 400,000 300,000 4,000,000
$11,353,800
Estimates are in 2015 dollars including Design 10%, Construction Insection 10%, Construction Contingency 10%
Restore the scenic beauty of the park Create four signature landscapes: Winter Hill Long Meadow Vale of the Lake Prospect Hill Plant flowering trees and shrubs of seasonal beauty Buffer undesirable views Beautify the park perimeter Restore the Lake shoreline, the Cascade and the Rill EXPENSE BUDGET Implement the Forest Management Plan and care for park landscape $200,000 Per year Restore Indian Lake, remove algae and Phragmites $70,000 Per year Nature and Landscape Total
Cost
350,000 1,700,000 1,000,000 900,000 500,000 500,000 1,500,000 1,500,000
$7,950,000 Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
MAJOR PROJECTS SUMMARY DRAFT
Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034
CROTONA PARK MASTER PLAN: CREDITS NYC Parks Office of Parklands and Planning Alyssa Cobb-Konan, Assistant Commissioner Nicholas Molinari, Chief of Planning & Parklands Charles McKinney, Principal Urban Designer Katerina Athanasiou, Conservation Corps Fellow Rucha Mandlik, Planning and Parklands Intern Dana Wall, Planning and Parklands Intern Crotona Park Administrator’s Office Portia Dyrenforth, Park Administrator Capital Projects Andrew Penzi, Bronx Team Leader Renatta Sokolowski, Deputy Team Leader
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Crotona & Tremont Park Master Plan 2034