New Guide Charts Comeback

By JON MINNERS

Bronx River Renaissance

While Chinese restaurants may call 1999 the Year of the Rabbit, New York City Parks Commissioner Henry Stern knows otherwise. This year, he proclaimed in his State of the Parks Address, will be the Year of the Bronx River.

A new guide map, fresh grant money for cleanups and shoreline improvements, and enlivened vigor among government officials and environmentalists seem to all represent an accelerated comeback for the river. In the biggest symbol of all, community groups from all parts of the Bronx River -- from upper Westchester to the south Bronx -- will collaborate on a daylong celebration, the Golden Ball, on Sat., April 24.

The only major body of water within borough boundaries, the Bronx River runs for 23 miles through southern Westchester and the Bronx. Years ago, according to Jeffrey Katz, a public affairs representative for Con Edison, the Bronx River was as pretty as a post card. (Con Edison is a corporate member of the Bronx River Working Group and a major funder of the Bronx River Keeper Program, which helps clean the river.) Soiled by abandoned industrial developments, though, the Bronx River became polluted and environmentally unsafe.

For years, groups have been cleaning the river, but this year these efforts are picking up steam. On Feb. 23, for instance, Con Edison and the Department of Parks and Recreation unveiled their new Bronx River guide map at a ceremony at the New York Botanical Garden.

"The idea of these brochures is to give them to the people of different communities around the city and remind them of the great history and natural importance of places in their midst," said Benjamin Swett, a writer-photographer with Partnership for Parks, who worked on the project.

The guide's lively illustrations depict all major points along the river with full-color photos of attractions like the Bronx River Parkway's stately Duncomb Bridges, a community garden in West Farms, and the rusting factories of Hunts Point that activists hope to turn into boat launches. The map also advises people on how to use the park to the fullest: from the basics (a river walk, a picnic) to the more elaborate (organizing a river festival or volunteering to help monitor water quality).

"It's a great resource to get to know the river," said Jennie Hoffner, Bronx River coordinator for the Partnerships for Parks. "It tells how people can get involved."

If the new guide were a treasure map, the X would mark the spot where cash is flowing into the coffers of nonprofit groups and government agencies with ideas about rejuvenating the Bronx River. Parks and Recreation awarded four Water Works grants of $10,000 to four agencies which have made major contributions to restoring the park.

First, Phipps Community Development Corporation together with the West Farms Friends of the Bronx River received its $10,000 to continue their efforts to improve a Riverside Park they created at 179th Street. Another recipient group, The Point Community Development Corporation, helped to create another community park along the west bank of the Bronx River. Third, the Gaia Institute was awarded a grant to continue its teaching program on Bronx River forests.

Finally, Bronx River Restoration, a group which has worked on restoring the river for about 25 years, received Water Works money to expand its Bronx River Keeper Program, in which volunteers regularly clean the river.

Assorted other projects are just now leaving the dock.

On Jan. 25, Parks received $1.5 million in federal and city funds for the construction of the Bronx Soundview Greenway, a bike and pedestrian trail.

"The Soundview Greenway will change the park dramatically and provide developed access to the waterfront in this 157-acre park," Henry Stern said during his Feb. 23 speech at the Botanical Garden.

Also, the Natural Resources Group (NRG) secured $1.7 million from the city and state to restore the banks, flood plains and forest along one 2,500-foot stretch of the Bronx River just north of the New York Botanical Garden. Also, a $25,000 grant from the federal Environmental Protection Agency was given to the NRG to restore the river's eroding edges, a project that will be implemented with Partnerships for Parks.

Thirdly, a major contribution to Bronx River Restoration comes from the federal government, which has funded a reconnaissance-level study to examine the flood control and potential to restore the damaged ecosystem of the Bronx River.

The future will see even more developments if Stern and others are able to maintain 1999's momentum.

"In spite of recent progress, there is still much to be done and the restoration project needs continued support and enthusiasm to move forward," Stern said.

Stern's agency has identified more than $60 million in potential projects for the Bronx River, and is about to acquire 36.4 acres of land alongside it. Other plans include updating the 1980 Bronx River Restoration Master Plan, cutting even more bike trails, and a state Department of Transportation Bronx River Greenway project on the east side of the Bronx River between 177th and 172nd streets where there is now no public access.

The push forward will continue with April 24's huge Golden Ball celebration which will take place from White Plains to Hunts Point as community groups hold joint celebrations along the length of the Bronx River. The event, entitled "The Golden Ball" event, will include a giant golden ball floating downstream from the river's source at the Kensico Dam to its mouth at the East River, bringing nature lovers together from up and down its shores. See future issues of the Norwood News for details.

With help from its enthusiastic neighbors and public and private dollars, the 21st century should see a much cleaner, more accessible and more enjoyable Bronx River.

According to Swett, the rewards of participation are great.

"There's a sense of real connection to the community that you can't beat," he said.

Jordan Moss contributed to this article.

Ed. note: For more information on the Bronx River and to get involved, call the Partnership for Parks Bronx River coordinator at 430-1801.

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