Concrete Plant Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Concrete Plant Park |
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Concrete Plant Park, looking south
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| Type | Public park |
| Location | The Bronx, New York City |
| Area | 7.39 acres (2.99 ha) |
| Created | 2009 |
| Operated by | New York City Department of Parks and Recreation |
| Status | Open all year |
| Water | Bronx River |
| Public transit access | New York City Subway: Whitlock Avenue ( ), Simpson Street (  )New York City Bus: Bx4, Bx4A, Bx11, Bx27 |
Concrete Plant Park is a cool public park in the Longwood area of the southern part of the Bronx, New York City. It covers about 7.39 acres. You can find it on the west side of the Bronx River, between Westchester Avenue and Bruckner Boulevard. The most special part of the park, and what it's named after, are the old buildings from a concrete plant that used to be there. The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation takes care of the park.
Contents
What's the History of Concrete Plant Park?
From Factory to Fun Park
A company called Transit-Mix used to run a concrete plant on this spot. They operated it from the late 1940s until it closed in 1987. The city later took over the land because of unpaid taxes.
In 2000, the property was given to NYC Parks. They teamed up with local groups, like the Bronx River Alliance. Together, they planned and built the park.
How the Park Was Built
The city worked hard to fix up the old concrete plant buildings. They also cleared away tons of trash and built new park areas. Finally, the park opened to everyone in 2009.
What Can You Do at the Park?
Concrete Plant Park has lots of fun things to see and do. You can walk along the Bronx River and enjoy the views. There are also big grassy areas where you can relax.
Exploring the Park's Features
You'll find places to sit, some even under a small metal roof. There's a "reading circle" made of concrete chairs. It's a great spot to read a book! The park also has a paved path for bikes and walkers. This path is part of the growing Bronx River Greenway.
Entrances and Nearby Sights
You can enter the park from Westchester Avenue, near Whitlock Avenue. There's also an entrance on Bruckner Boulevard, west of Bronx River Avenue.
Near the park's northern entrance, you might see the old Westchester Avenue station. This station was built in 1908 and designed by a famous architect named Cass Gilbert. It's partly hanging over the busy Amtrak train tracks. People have thought about moving part of it into the park to save it.
Gallery
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The reading circle, with the old Westchester Avenue station and a New York City Subway train in the background.
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Looking south towards the old concrete plant buildings. The Bronx River is on the left.
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A view of the park from across the train tracks.
