NYC PARKS CELEBRATES NEW ADULT FITNESS AREA AT SHOELACE PARK

A $1.7 million capital project brings new fitness equipment, reconstructed paths, seating, lighting, and landscaping

NYC Parks Bronx Borough Commissioner Jessenia Aponte today joined Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, State Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz, State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey, City Council Member Kevin C. Riley, City Council Member Eric Dinowitz, and Bronx Community Board 12 to cut the ribbon on a new fitness equipment area at Shoelace Park following a $1.7 million capital project.

"Every neighborhood deserves free, high-quality outdoor space to stay active, and that's exactly what this new fitness area brings to Shoelace Park," said NYC Parks Bronx Borough Commissioner Jessenia Aponte. "Neighbors already come here to walk, run, and bike along the riverside path, and now they have a welcoming spot to stretch that routine even further. With equipment the whole community can use, shaded seating to rest in, and lighting that enhances safety well into the evening, we are certain this project will help keep Shoelace Park a destination for years to come."

"As the summer comes to an end and our residents prepare for the fall, I am excited to celebrate the enhancement of one of our borough's most cherished green spaces in the Northeast Bronx," said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. "This $1.7 million investment has revitalized Shoelace Park by adding new adult fitness equipment, improved security lighting, and other features that benefit the overall health and wellbeing of our youth and families. Parks and playgrounds are vital to our neighborhoods' character, and I am grateful to NYC Parks, my colleagues in government, and parks advocates for prioritizing the renovation and transformation of this essential open space in our community."

"From the beginning of my time in the New York City Council, one of my priorities has been making sure Bronx residents have access to the quality resources they need to live healthy and active lives," said Council Member Kevin C. Riley. "That is why I was proud to allocate funding toward bringing new adult fitness equipment to Shoelace Park. This investment reflects our commitment to creating healthier communities and ensuring that our residents have safe, accessible spaces to prioritize their health and well-being."

"I'm grateful to NYC Parks for investing in Shoelace Park and giving our residents a wonderful space to stay active and healthy. The new fitness equipment, improved lighting, and reconstructed paths make the park more welcoming and safer for everyone in our community," said Council Member Eric Dinowitz. "This is exactly the kind of investment District 11 needs, in line with the $44.8 million in capital improvements I've secured for our local parks across the district since taking office,"

"I am thrilled to see new fitness equipment in Shoelace Park," said State Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz. "This new equipment represents a wonderful opportunity for residents to pursue physical fitness, while also adding additional safety lighting to the park. Thank you to NYC Parks for another project well done."

"Parks are vital to the health, well-being, and vibrancy of our neighborhoods, and this $1.7 million transformation of Shoelace Park is a strong step forward for the Bronx," said State Senator Jamaal T. Bailey. "By converting underutilized space into an accessible fitness equipment area, with safety lighting, new landscaping, and upgraded pathways, we are ensuring that every resident has a safe, welcoming place to stay active outdoors. Thank you to NYC Parks Bronx Borough Commissioner Jessenia Aponte, Bronx BP Vanessa L. Gibson, Speaker Carl E. Heastie, AM Jeffrey Dinowitz, CM Kevin C. Riley, CM Eric Dinowitz, Bronx Community Board 12, and all of our local leaders and community partners whose investments and advocacy made this project possible."

The project transformed outdated bocce courts into a concentrated fitness hub for Shoelace Park users. Ten fitness components were installed, five of which are fully accessible for patrons with disabilities, along with colored safety tiles to provide a soft landing surface for users.

New benches and trash receptacles were added around the perimeter of the space, and new security lighting was installed to improve nighttime visibility and safety. Several shade trees were planted along the perimeter of the fitness area to provide relief during warmer months.

The project also reconstructed the paths leading to the new fitness area - the existing path was rebuilt with new asphalt, and a secondary path with concrete steps was added to provide access from the northern side of the park. Existing paths to the south were reconstructed as well, connecting the new fitness area to other upgraded areas of Shoelace Park.

A triangular planting bed along the flood-prone southwestern paths was reconstructed with water-tolerant plants, and the surrounding path was regraded to improve drainage. Pruning was also conducted along the reconstructed paths to improve sightlines and safety.

The project was funded by the City Council and NYC Mayor's Office.

Shoelace Park is part of the larger Bronx River parks and runs from East Gun Hill Road to East 230th Street as part of the Bronx River Greenway. The park's main pathway was once part of the original Bronx River Parkway, which was relocated from Bronx Boulevard to its present location alongside the Bronx River in 1950.