Crotona Park is located in the Bronx. This century-old New York park is famous for its abundant shrubbery and wildlife that find shelter in its 3-acre lake. New Yorkers also admire its sports facilities and large swimming pool.
There really isn’t a “best season” to experience New York’s Crotona Park. The park’s landscape welcomes visitors in both summer and winter. Spanning more than 130 acres , long paths wind between woods, lakes, and expansive lawns .
There are about thirty types of shrubs and more than 200 types of flowers. Endemic birds come here to breed, while turtles and fish live in the pools.
For athletes and families, there are plenty of recreational opportunities . There are tennis courts, baseball fields, basketball courts, handball courts, bike paths and one of the largest swimming pools in the city.
In designated areas you can prepare a barbecue, play chess or lie down to enjoy the sun and work on your tan.
The City of New York purchased the park from a businessman in 1888. It was a large wooded area that its owner, Andrew Bathgate, called Bathgate Woods. This name stuck for a while, until a family feud forced the city to change the name.
The city team chose Crotona Park, named after a historic Greek colony in Italy known for its Olympic training grounds. It is also the name of a historic New York aqueduct.
For over 100 years, Crotona Park has been undoubtedly one of New York City’s most important public parks .
In its early days as a city park, Crotona Parc had an ice skating rink. New Yorkers could also go boating, and in 1936, under the management of Robert Moses, the new head of the New York City Parks Board, a large swimming pool with a sauna was built .
Bronx Parks staff offer guided tours to help visitors better understand the various natural features of Crotona Park. For example, the Bronx City Park Rangers arrange educational tours around Indian Pond and provide detailed descriptions of each plant species found in the park.
Useful data
Opening hours: free; Admission fee: free
Crotona Park pool image credit: elizabethjazz.com