Joyce Kilmer Park
Interactive Park Map
About the Location
Historic Background
Joyce Kilmer Park is a public green space located in the Bronx, New York City. Bounded by the Grand Concourse, Walton Avenue, East 164th Street, and East 161st Street, the park serves as a recreational area for local residents and visitors.
The park is named after Joyce Kilmer (1886-1918), an American poet, journalist, and soldier who is best known for his poem "Trees".
Notable Monuments
The park features two notable monuments. The first is the Heinrich Heine Fountain, also known as the Lorelei Fountain, which honors the 19th-century German poet Heinrich Heine.
This white Tyrolean marble masterpiece, created by sculptor Ernst Herter, depicts the legendary Lorelei siren and includes a bas-relief portrait of Heine. The fountain has an interesting history, having been rejected by Dusseldorf, Germany, before finding its home in the Bronx.
The second monument is a bronze statue of Louis J. Heintz, who first proposed the Grand Concourse in 1890. The statue, presented to the city in 1909, stands on a granite pedestal and is accompanied by a draped female figure representing Fame.
Park Evolution
Joyce Kilmer Park has undergone several changes over the years. It was formerly called Concourse Plaza from 1902 until 1926 when it was renamed for Kilmer.
In 1936, the park was completely redesigned, and the two monuments were placed in their current locations. More recently, in 2004, the playground within the park was restored with funds allocated by the mayor, city council, and borough president.
