Saint Mary's Park

St. Mary's Park, located in the Mott Haven neighborhood of the South Bronx, New York City, is one of the largest parks in the area, spanning 35 acres. The park has a rich history dating back to the colonial era, having once been part of the estate of Jonas Bronck, for whom the Bronx is named.

The park's landscape features rolling hills, expansive lawns, and mature trees, providing a natural oasis within the urban environment. Its terrain is reminiscent of Frederick Law Olmsted's designs, with a mix of open spaces and wooded areas. The park's highest point, known as Janes' Hill, was named after Adrian Janes, a 19th-century iron manufacturer who once owned the property.

St. Mary's Park has played a significant role in the development of recreation programs in the Bronx. It was home to the borough's first playground, which opened in 1914. In response to population growth and increased demand for recreational facilities, additional playgrounds were added between 1938 and 1941.

A notable feature of the park is the St. Mary's Recreation Center, which opened in 1951 as New York City's first full-service, indoor recreation facility. This center includes an indoor swimming pool, gymnasium, and rooms for community programs and classes. In recent years, the park has undergone various improvements, including the installation of a quarter-mile fitness loop and additional tennis courts in 1996, and the addition of synthetic turf in 2006.

The park serves as a hub for community activities and sports, offering a range of facilities for visitors of all ages. It has also been the site of historical events, including gatherings related to the civil rights movement in the 1960s.

In 2016, St. Mary's Park was selected as one of five "Anchor Parks" in New York City, receiving $30 million in funding for major improvements to its facilities, including renovations to ballfields, pathways, and the amphitheater.