Esplanade (Bronx) facts for kids
| Owner | City of New York |
|---|---|
| Maintained by | NYCDOT |
| Length | 0.8 mi (1.3 km) |
| Location | Bronx, New York City |
| South end | Paulding Avenue in Morris Park |
| Major junctions |
 Pelham Parkway in Morris Park |
| North end | Mace Avenue in Pelham Gardens |
Esplanade, also called Esplanade Avenue, is a street in the Bronx, New York City. It's about 0.8 miles long and has cool green areas in the middle, like mini-parks. You can find it in the Morris Park and Pelham Gardens neighborhoods.
This street was built in 1912. It sits on top of a covered trench that used to hold the New York, Westchester and Boston Railway tracks. This trench was dug through a hill! The Esplanade also crosses Pelham Parkway, which is another road with its own green spaces, just like a park.
Contents
Exploring Esplanade's Transportation
Subway Lines Underneath
Did you know there's a subway line right under the Esplanade? The old New York, Westchester and Boston Railway line, which ran beneath the street, was bought by the city in 1940. Now, it's part of the New York City Subway system. It's called the IRT Dyre Avenue Line (5 train).
Subway Stations Nearby
At the southern end of the Esplanade, you'll find the Morris Park station. The subway platform here is raised as it enters the tunnel that goes under the Esplanade.
Further north, near where the Esplanade meets Laconia Avenue and Pelham Parkway, is the Pelham Parkway station. This station used to be a fast-train stop, but it closed in 1937. It reopened in 1941 as a subway station. It's special because it's the only subway station on the Dyre Avenue Line that is completely underground.
Memorials and Green Spaces
Honoring Local Heroes
The lovely green spaces along the Esplanade are more than just pretty parks. They have been named by the city to honor local people who served in the military. These spots remind everyone of their bravery and service.
Rudy Macina Peace Memorial Plaza
One important spot is the Rudy Macina Peace Memorial Plaza. This triangle-shaped area is located where the Esplanade, Pelham Parkway, and Laconia Avenue meet. It was named in 1993. Rudy Macina himself designed the memorial found in the center of the plaza. It has monuments and a flagpole, honoring veterans from many different wars, including World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Persian Gulf War.
Alfred E. Santangelo Plaza
Right in front of the Pelham Parkway station entrance, you'll find the Alfred E. Santangelo Plaza. This plaza is named after Alfred E. Santangelo, who was a local Congressman. A Congressman is a person elected to represent their community in the United States Congress, helping to make laws for the country.
Private Sidney Weissman Memorial
There's also a special green area in the middle of the Esplanade at Astor Avenue. In 1962, this spot was named in memory of Private Sidney Weissman. He was a local resident who sadly passed away when the ship he was on, the HMT Rohna, sank.
