Highbridge Park Still Neglected

Photo via yojimbot's flickr

Speaking of parks, locals are speaking out about the poor condition of Harlem's Highbridge Park. According to the Daily News, the space has more hypodermic needles than flowers. One area resident told them, "It's really sad. I don't go there," and NYC Park Advocates' Geoffrey Croft even found a partially filled needle when he was visiting!

While $60 million is going towards the renovation of the park's pedestrian connector between Manhattan and the Bronx, none of that money will go towards fixing up the rest of the 118-acre park, which even includes the former Polo Grounds that the New York Giants played on. Croft told the paper, "Instead of fixing the deplorable conditions, the city pretends that they don't exist."

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Carlson in News on July 13, 2010 8:30 AM

Comments [rss]

spiritross

Yeah this park is great with potential - it has one of only two certified mountain biking Trailways in the 5 boroughs - plus the views kick ass where you are by the bridge - which will be even better if they ever reopen it.

I would say though the best time to go in fall early winter - a lot less people are around and with the trees losing leaves its easier to see views or not be surprised by the random dude setting up a closeline.

MisterTissue

Up by Washington Heights I can tell you it's normally overrun with hobos and crackheads, too.

serpentny

Wow this park is huge. Goes from Harlem, through Washington Heights and all the way up to Inwood. Too bad it's lacking on upkeep.

Kojak

They ARE working to restore the bridge & the surrounding park. They're just under the design & funding stages now.

The bridge is friggin 160 years old.

nicemarmot

"Instead of fixing the deplorable conditions, the city pretends that they don't exist."

Isn't that what they pretty much do with the deplorable conditions everywhere in the city? I mean, if you just ignore it for long enough, it will go away and then you can just bulldoze on through...