Highbridge anchor park master plan

Location: New York City, New York
Client: New York City Department of Parks & Recreation
Awards: ASLA-NY Honor Award, NJASLA Honor Award

The Highbridge Park Master Plan was commissioned as part of New York City’s 2016 Anchor Parks Initiative, in which the City committed $150 million to “bring new life” to five older parks within the City. One large park in each borough was designated to receive $30 million in major capital improvements including upgrades to existing facilities and new amenities such as athletic fields, comfort stations, and hiking trails.

Highbridge Park was selected as the Anchor Park for the Borough of Manhattan. The 130-acre linear park extends over 50 blocks along the northeast edge of upper Manhattan, and is comprised of multiple neighborhood playgrounds and sports facilities, as well as a large indoor recreational center and outdoor community pool. Other amenities include several segments of bicycle and pedestrian paths, including a connection to the Bronx via the historic High Bridge, several historic architectural features and overlooks with dramatic views of the Harlem River, and a steeply sloped, forest ecosystem that is unique in New York City.

The ninety page Highbridge Park Master Plan was the first step in the revitalization and rebranding of the old park as “The City’s Adventure Park”. Through a process of community outreach, in-depth site investigation, research, and comprehensive analysis, a vision of “the old park with a new purpose” emerged which is supported by overall recommendations and site-specific conceptual designs. Significantly, the master plan recommends a continuous hiking / biking trail that will run the full length of the park, connecting adjacent neighborhoods to old and new fitness and recreational facilities and provide an experience of nature found in few other parks.