Looking for a place to cool off this summer?
Try splashing through the new spray showers and sprinklers at Tremont Park.
Officials and school kids joined together Friday, June 22 to cut the ribbon on a $4.5 million renovation of the Park, on Friday, June 22.
The project included rebuilding the two playgrounds on Arthur Avenue, with new playground equipment and spray showers, as well as plantings throughout the site, a lawn and a sitting area.
Bronx parks commissioner Hector Aponte noted that the work was thanks to funding through the City Department of Environmental Protection as part of the trade-off for building a multi-billion dollar water filtration plant under Van Cortlandt Park.
“These improvements are part of a $200-million Croton-funded investment in the parks of the Bronx, which we’ve used to renovate dozens of playgrounds, create miles of greenway, add new and update existing recreation facilities, and expand access to the waterfront,” said Aponte. “Tremont Park has long been a recreational oasis, with sports courts, walking paths and a ballfield, and these latest renovations will give Bronxites even more reasons to visit this summer.”
Aponte noted that Tremont Park got its name from the neighborhood, named after the three local hills – Fairmount, Mount Eden, and Mount Hope – that surround it.
Congressman Jose Serrano said it is wonderful to celebrate another park for residents and children to enjoy.
“It seems that at the end of every week, we are cutting a ribbon on a new park,” Serrano said. “There used to be all kinds of arguments of where to build park and where not to, but now it seems they are all over. I hope you use it, celebrate it, love your trees, love your parks and love your community.”
Ivine Galarza, district manager of Community Board 6 said cutting the ribbon on the park marked a very special day in the community.
“As Mr. Rogers would say, it’s a beautiful day in my neighborhood today.” Also joining in the ceremony were New York City Department of Environmental Protection chief financial officer Steven Lawitts, students from Community School 211, and members of Community Board 6 .
Kirsten Sanchez can be reach via e-mail at ksanchez@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 742-3394
