LPC Unveils Historic Markers for Bronx's Old Croton Aqueduct Walk

Press Release

For Immediate Release: September 19, 2024
Contact: [email protected], (212) 669-7938

LPC Unveils Historic Markers for Bronx's Old Croton Aqueduct Walk

Old Croton Aqueduct Walk Was Designated as the Bronx's First Scenic Landmark in April

The New Historic Markers Feature a Brief Description of Old Croton Aqueduct, Which Brought the First Direct Water Supply to City, and the Public Walkway Built on Top of its Embankments

Aqueduct Walk Has Served as a Beloved Neighborhood Public Space Since 1842,

Became Part of the New York City Parks Department in 1930

NEW YORK - Today, New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) Chair Sarah Carroll, NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, Councilmember Pierina Sanchez, New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation (NYLPF) Chair Tom Krizmanic, Bronx Community Board 5 Chair Angel Caballero, Bronx Community Board 7 Chair Karla Cabrera Carrera, and Renea Bush of The Friends of Aqueduct Walk unveiled three historic markers that commemorate the history of Old Croton Aqueduct Walk, which LPC designated as the Bronx's first scenic landmark and the twelfth scenic landmark citywide on April 16, 2024. Considered an engineering marvel and a national model of urban infrastructure, Old Croton Aqueduct opened in 1842, bringing the first direct fresh water supply to New York City. The walkway built atop its stone embankments offered a lush green swath of accessible recreational space, and has served as a beloved public space for the local community ever since. Aqueduct Walk officially became part of the NYC Parks Department in 1930, and the agency has made many upgrades in the years since, including seating areas, playgrounds, and lighting, which have improved public access while maintaining the walk's historic character and scenic beauty.

"These commemorative markers for this first Bronx scenic landmark will offer awareness of the role Old Croton Aqueduct played in the development of New York City," said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. "A beloved public space, this pathway will now forever celebrate the Aqueduct's importance as an architectural marvel and the community's role in its preservation."

"Old Croton Aqueduct Walk is a symbol of New York City's long history of innovation and achievement, and a powerful example of the critical role our green spaces and public parks continue to play in connecting communities and building a better quality of life for all New Yorkers," said Landmarks Preservation Commission Chair Sarah Carroll. "With the installation of the historic markers today, we honor the ingenuity of those who came before us and laid the foundation for a more modern and prosperous city, and we celebrate the stewardship of NYC Parks and the long-standing commitment of local residents and community groups, whose dedication to this idyllic pathway has helped ensure it will be preserved for generations to come."

"Old Croton Aqueduct Walk, a marvel of engineering that played an essential role in the growth of New York City, is now the first-ever scenic landmark in the Bronx. These historic markers will honor the legacy of the Aqueduct, which is also a beloved linear park that brings communities closer together and provides vital greenspace and recreational amenities," said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. "We're grateful to the Landmarks Preservation Commission and New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation for creating these markers, and to the many community members who continue to play an important part in helping to care for this important public space."

"The Aqueduct Walk stands as a remarkable tribute to the engineering ingenuity of the Old Croton Aqueduct," said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. "This public park not only offers a scenic space but also serves as a living connection to our borough's rich history. These historic markers symbolize the perseverance of Bronx residents who have fought to preserve this important site since the early 20th century. The Parks Department's careful enhancements over the years have balanced public access with the preservation of its historic integrity, ensuring it remains a vital public space. The recognition of the Landmarks Preservation Commission for this scenic landmark reaffirms our commitment to safeguarding this cherished symbol of community pride and Bronx heritage."

"As an advocate for preserving history and celebrating the contributions of immigrant communities, I was proud to support the historic landmark designation of the Old Croton Aqueduct Walk - the Bronx's first scenic landmark. This treasured space sits atop the Old Croton Aqueduct, an engineering marvel built by immigrants in 1842, which brought the first direct supply of water to New York City. For generations, the Aqueduct Walk has been a beloved open space for New Yorkers, especially Bronx residents, and now serves as the geographic heart of Council District 14, with basketball courts, playgrounds, and preserved historic features," said New York City Councilmember Pierina Sanchez. "The commitment of groups like Friends of Aqueduct and the surrounding community reflects the deep connection to this space, and together, we aim to ensure its enjoyment for generations to come."

"As Chair of the Subcommittee on Landmarks, Public Sitings, and Dispositions, I am thrilled to see the Old Croton Aqueduct Walk designated as the Bronx's first scenic landmark. This recognition not only honors the incredible history and engineering behind the aqueduct but also highlights the importance of preserving public spaces that connect communities and enhance quality of life," said New York City Councilmember Kamillah Hanks. "The Aqueduct Walk has served as a cherished green space for generations, and this designation ensures it will continue to do so for future generations. I commend the Landmarks Preservation Commission for its commitment to preserving the rich history of our city's diverse neighborhoods."

"The New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation is proud to celebrate with the community the unveiling of new markers along the Old Croton Aqueduct Walk, notably the first scenic landmark designated in the Bronx," said New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation Chair Tom Krizmanic. "We are pleased to highlight the historical importance of this pathway that served as the City's first direct water supply, key to the New York City's subsequent growth, that has since become a beloved public space for nearby Bronx neighborhoods"

"Community Board 5 is very pleased that Aqueduct Walk is receiving the attention and accolades that it deserves," said Bronx Community Board 5 District Manager Ken Brown. "The Walk is a vital historic asset for the community and the instillation of historic markers further elevates the Aqueduct Walk's profile as a most important cultural, recreational and historic asset."

"Bronx Community Board 7 is elated that the Landmarks Preservation Commission has designated the Old Croton Aqueduct Walk as the first scenic landmark in The Bronx, the greenest borough, said Bronx Community Board 7 District Manager Karla Cabrera Carrera. "This designation recognizes the significance of the Aqueduct Walk in history, and its cultural significance today."

"The Friends of Aqueduct Walk appreciate the opportunities for recreational space and historic space," said The Friends of Aqueduct Walk's Renea Bush. "It is a place of peace and tranquility that the Walk represents."

The marker installation is part of the NYLPF's Historic District Marker Program, which fosters public awareness and civic pride in designated historic districts and landmark sites across the five boroughs through signage. A total of three markers, funded by the NYLPF, have been installed at 2148 University Avenue, 71 West Fordham Road, and 2271 Aqueduct East Avenue in the Bronx.

The newly installed markers are 19-by-36-inch terra cotta-colored signs with a brief description and history of the scenic landmark. The marker text reads as follows:

"The Old Croton Aqueduct Walk is a New York City park encompassing a section of the engineering marvel that was the city's first direct source for fresh water. Designed by engineers David Douglass and John B. Jervis and constructed predominantly by Irish immigrants, Croton Aqueduct opened on October 14, 1842, providing clean drinking water to the city and supporting its explosive growth in the 19th century. The aqueduct path became a beloved public walkway for New Yorkers, and the nearby communities were instrumental in making this unique urban feature an official park in 1930. Designed by landscape architect Gilmore D. Clarke, it opened on April 27, 1940. It was designated the Bronx's first Scenic Landmark on April 16, 2024, in recognition of its engineering and cultural significance."

Images: Designation photos of Old Croton Aqueduct Walk scenic landmark and photos of today's historic marker unveiling can be found here: https://app.box.com/s/nm02dsm20zu9rr1i7ack2qthlkw5u1yl

About the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC)

The Landmarks Preservation Commission is the mayoral agency responsible for protecting and preserving New York City's architecturally, historically, and culturally significant buildings and sites. Since its creation in 1965, LPC has granted landmark status to more than more than 38,000 buildings and sites, including 1,463 individual landmarks, 123 interior landmarks, 12 scenic landmarks, and 157 historic districts and extensions in all five boroughs. For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/landmarks and connect with us at www.facebook.com/NYCLandmarks and www.twitter.com/nyclandmarks.

About the New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation (NYLPF)

The New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that supports work that relates to the designation of New York City landmarks, including the well-recognized Bronze Plaque Program for individual landmarks, the Street Sign Program, and the Historic District Marker Program. For more information, visit http://www.nylpf.org.

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