NYC PARKS UNVEILS RECONSTRUCTED GRANT PARK, TRANSFORMING VACANT LOTS INTO 4.7 ACRE BRONX OASIS

A $17 million capital project converted a former roadbed and unused lots into a 4.7-acre park with an open lawn area, basketball court, adult fitness area, and new seating and plantings

NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura was joined today by Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, City Councilmember Althea Stevens, State Assemblymember Landon Dais and community members to celebrate the transformation of a vacant lot into a new parkland at Grant Park in the Bronx.

The park consolidated 15 formerly vacant lots and a decommissioned one-block stretch of Grant Avenue into a single and cohesive 4.7-acre open space. The project, funded through the Jerome Avenue Rezoning Initiative sponsored by the NYC Mayor's Office, provides essential greenspace and recreational amenities for Bronx residents.

"Grant Park is a testament to what's possible when a community comes together to transform underutilized space into a vibrant, welcoming destination," said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. "This 4.7-acre park gives residents a beautiful natural lawn, a full basketball court, fitness amenities, and spaces to gather, all right in the heart of their neighborhood. We're proud to deliver on the promise of the Jerome Avenue rezoning initiative and grateful to our partners in City government who made this investment possible."

"Today's ribbon cutting at Grant Park reflects our shared commitment to investing in the vibrant, welcoming green spaces our Bronx families need but also deserve," said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. "With new recreation areas, fitness equipment, walking paths, and improved lighting and accessibility, this park increases our residents' access to our borough`s vital green spaces. I want to thank NYC Parks, my colleagues in government, advocates, and the local residents whose voices shaped this project. Together, we are delivering on a broader vision for the Jerome Avenue corridor that ensures, as our communities grow, they have the resources, infrastructure, and public spaces they need in their neighborhoods."

"Grant Park shows what's possible because our community refuses to settle for less and works together to reimagine our future," said New York City Council Member Althea V.Stevens. "This transformation is about creating a safe, welcoming, and vibrant space where families can gather, young people can thrive, and neighbors can connect. I'm proud to stand with our community and partners in government to celebrate an investment that reflects the dignity and hard work of our District. I look forward to seeing this park serve residents for generations to come."

"This is a huge win for families across the South Bronx who have fought for years to see this space transformed into something alive: a place where kids can play ball, seniors can exercise, and neighbors can gather and breathe," said Assemblymember of 77th District Landon Dais. "In neighborhoods like ours, quality public space matters deeply, and Grant Park is proof that when government listens, communities win."

The newly completed park provides space for recreation as well as relaxation. The project incorporated three existing park spaces - the Grant Playground to the south, the Grant Park Passive Area to the north, and the Dred Scott Bird Sanctuary - into a unified open space that serves the community.

A large open lawn area occupies the heart of the site, offering space for field games and informal gatherings. A central pathway meanders from the north to the south entrances, connecting the new park sections to previously existing areas. Shade trees and seating are distributed throughout, providing comfortable spots for visitors to relax.

One corner of the park is dedicated to sports and fitness, anchored by a full-size basketball court with steel bleachers and a 1,300-square-foot fitness area featuring a range of equipment. Plantings and shade trees buffer the area, providing privacy and comfort for users. The existing Dred Scott Bird Sanctuary, a cherished community garden established in 1996, has been updated with a new low-profile fence, preserving its character while improving visual openness throughout the park.

In addition, approximately 100 linear feet of street at either end of the site were reconstructed as pedestrian plazas flush with the existing sidewalks, improving accessibility for all park users. Steel picket fences and double gates provide secure entry points, and security lighting has been installed along pathways and in programmed areas. The main pathway is aligned to encourage clear sightlines, and plantings are strategically positioned to maintain open views throughout the park.

The project was funded with $16.5M of mayoral funding and $500,000 from the Borough Presidents office.

Grant Park is one of four parks in the Jerome Avenue corridor to receive funding for improvements through the rezoning initiative, alongside Davidson Playground, Morton Playground, and Bridge Playground.