NYC PARKS UNVEILS NEW PEDESTRIAN ACCESS RAMP AT BRONX PARK EAST, CONNECTING RESIDENTS TO THE NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDEN

$4 million project improves accessibility and safety for the community

NYC Parks announced yesterday the completion of a $4 million project that transformed the pedestrian overpass over the Bronx River Parkway, connecting Bronx Park East residents to the New York Botanical Garden with a fully ADA-compliant ramp, handrails, landings, and stairway. Funded by the New York City Council, the project ensures that all visitors - including elderly visitors, parents with strollers, and individuals with mobility challenges - can safely and comfortably access one of the world's most distinguished botanical gardens.

"Every New Yorker deserves equal access to the incredible green spaces our city has to offer, and this project delivers exactly that," said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. "The new ADA-compliant ramp at Bronx Park East removes a long-standing barrier between local residents and one of the world's great botanical gardens, making travel safer and more welcoming for seniors, families with young children, and people of all abilities. We are proud to have delivered this improvement for the community and grateful to the City Council for their investment in making our parks and public spaces more accessible to all."

The completed project addressed longstanding safety and accessibility concerns at the overpass, providing a new accessible ramp system designed to navigate between existing trees while providing a formal, welcoming entrance to the New York Botanical Garden. The new route includes ADA-compliant ramp grades, handrails on both sides, and intermittent landings that allow users to rest and safely traverse the overpass regardless of weather conditions or physical ability.

"This investment is about making sure every Bronx resident can fully experience the spaces that make our borough special. The new ADA-accessible ramp at Bronx Park East removes long-standing barriers and creates a safer, more welcoming connection to New York Botanical Garden for seniors, families, and individuals with disabilities alike," said City Councilmember Kevin C. Riley. "By prioritizing accessibility and thoughtful design, we are expanding opportunity and ensuring our public spaces reflect the needs of the entire community. As a Council Member, I remain committed to being a strong partner in advancing accessible, equitable investments like this across our city."

"The New York Botanical Garden deeply values our longstanding relationship with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, built over many years of collaborative projects to improve access for our neighboring communities," said Jennifer Bernstein, CEO and The William C. Steere Sr. President of the New York Botanical Garden. "The new Bronx Park East ADA ramp represents our most significant partnership to date. The monumental improvements to this Garden entrance exemplify what equitable and open access can look like in our city's public spaces, for people of all backgrounds and abilities. We are immensely proud of the role NYBG played in securing funding for this essential project, which was completed in less than one year."

"The new ADA-accessible ramp at Bronx Park East removes a long-standing barrier for Bronx residents, expanding opportunity and access so everyone can experience one of our borough's most treasured cultural gems," said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. "Thank you to the NYC Parks Department, the New York City Council, and Community Board 11 for their support of this project and commitment to increasing accessibility to our cultural institutions."

"I am proud to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the Bronx Park East Botanical Garden Pedestrian Access Ramp, a project that represents equity, accessibility, and investment in our community's future. This new access point ensures that all residents, regardless of mobility, can enjoy the beauty and resources of our public green spaces," said State Assemblymember George Alvarez. "Today is a testament to what we can achieve when we prioritize inclusive infrastructure and community connection. I am excited to see families, students, and visitors benefit from this long-awaited improvement for years to come."

At 718 acres, Bronx Park is one of the largest parks in New York City. The city acquired the lands that would become Bronx Park in 1890, and in 1891, 250 acres of the site were allotted to the New York Botanical Society. While perhaps best known as the home of the botanical garden and Bronx Zoo, the park also features playgrounds, bicycle paths, baseball diamonds, tennis and basketball courts and football and soccer fields.