Claremont Park

A Journey Through Time

Once part of the Morris family estate in the late 17th century, the land that is now Claremont Park has seen quite the transformation over the years. In 1859, Elliott and Anna Zborowski de Montsaulain bought a piece of the former Morris property and built the Claremont mansion - giving the area its name that stuck around to this day.

The city purchased the land for public use after the New Parks Act passed in 1884. For a while, the Zborowski mansion served as the Bronx headquarters for the Department of Parks until it was torn down in 1938, making way for the 38-acre park in the Morrisania section of the Bronx that we know today.

Natural Landscape

With its rolling hills and open green spaces, Claremont Park offers a fantastic backdrop for an afternoon picnic or just catching your breath away from city life. Part of the park was once the mysterious "Black Swamp," a small but surprisingly deep lake that had a bit of a reputation in colonial times for... well, swallowing livestock whole.

By the early 20th century, this curious geographical feature was filled in as the park underwent its major makeover in the 1930s and 40s.

Today, mature trees create welcome pockets of shade across the grounds - something you'll particularly appreciate during those hot summer months. If you climb to certain spots on the hills, you'll be rewarded with some lovely views of the surrounding Bronx landscape.

Places to Play

If you're looking to shoot some hoops or take a refreshing dip, Claremont offers several options. The park houses multiple playgrounds, baseball fields, and courts for basketball and handball to satisfy your recreational cravings.

One of the park's highlights is definitely its outdoor swimming pool. On warm days, it becomes the neighborhood's favorite cooling spot, complete with a large swimming pool for adults and a smaller wading pool for the little ones. Just remember to bring proper swim attire - it's required for entry.

Kids love the water sprinklers near the playground area, ideal for those scorching summer afternoons. Basketball enthusiasts will appreciate the recently renovated courts along East 170th Street on the park's southern edge.

Gathering Spots

The charming gazebo, built in 1938 where the old Zborowski mansion once stood, has become the heart of community life in the park. It's where birthday parties happen, families gather, and community events unfold year-round.

You'll also find several BBQ and grilling areas with tables and benches scattered around the park. These spots transform into weekend social hubs during the summer months as locals fire up their grills and share meals together.

Urban Wildlife

Despite being surrounded by city life, Claremont Park offers a surprising touch of wilderness. Early risers might spot hawks circling overhead, and some lucky (or unlucky, depending on your perspective) visitors have even reported seeing coyotes, particularly during dawn or dusk hours.

The mix of trees and open spaces creates a small but valuable urban ecosystem - a little green retreat where you can reconnect with nature without leaving the city.

Good to Know

The park welcomes visitors daily from 6AM to 10PM and has public restrooms available around the grounds. While you can find street parking around the perimeter, it might be challenging during busy times.

Claremont Park is a valuable green space in this dense urban area where ball players, picnickers and many others come to play, relax, and enjoy the outdoors year-round.