Highbridge Park

Parks Breaks Ground On Juan Bosch Plaza At Highbridge Park

On Thursday, November 17, Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe joined City Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, State Senator Adriano Espaillat, State Assembly Member Guillermo Linares, Alternative Ambassador of the Dominican Republic Mission to the UN Frank Cotorreal, President of the Fundacion Profesor Juan Bosch USA Santos Acevedo, and Chair of the Community Board 12 Parks Committee Elizabeth Lorris Ritter to break ground on the $500,000 redesign of Highbridge Park’s Juan Bosch Plaza. At the beginning of the event, Orlando de la Mota sang “La Gaviota,” which was written by Professor Juan Bosch.

“Parks not only provide New Yorkers with places to recreate, they also honor leaders who help shape our society,” said Commissioner Benepe. “Professor Juan Bosch was an author, politicial leader, social analyst, and fervent advocate of democratic values in the Dominican Republic and surrounding region. His contributions to literature made him a mentor for writers around the world. We are honored to name and construct a new seating plaza in a unique garden setting with stunning views of the Harlem River after Professor Bosch. Through his quotes, inscribed in the plaza, future generations will benefit from his wisdom and inspiration.”

“I have worked together with all of the Northern Manhattan leaders to make our parks a priority. We have to continue to look at projects like this to preserve and improve the large amount of green space within our community,” said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez. “As one of the most progressive thinkers and politicians we have ever had, Juan Bosch would be proud of the work being done in Highbridge Park to create this new space where neighbors can come together and enjoy the beauty of Northern Manhattan.”

“Northern Manhattan is surrounded by parks, and to have invested over $100 million into Highbridge Park represents a renaissance for Northern Manhattan,” said State Senator Adriano Espaillat. “The parks are a real resource for our families, and I'm privileged to have been able to work together with all of the leaders in our community to make the Plaza Juan Bosch a reality.”

“Having this plaza named after Professor Juan Bosch is a tribute to his legacy and contribution as a political leader and educator,” said Assembly Member Guillermo Linares. “It is an honor for the Dominican community to have this plaza named after this Dominican leader in the heart of Washington Heights. This certainly reflects the great contribution the Dominican community has made to this country. This tribute serves to promote Professor Juan Bosch legacy to current and future generations.”

The creation of Juan Bosch Plaza in Highbridge Park commemorates the writing of Juan Bosch (1909-2001), the prolific author and freely elected president of the Dominican Republic in 1962.

The project was conceived by the Fundacion Profesor Juan Bosch to create a public gathering space that honors Juan Bosch and provides a venue for readings, music, poetry, and an opportunity for reflection. The design by Laura Drawbaugh includes captions from Juan Bosch's writings in both English and Spanish, new seating, plantings, and lighting.

The $500,000 project was funded by the NYC Council, and complements recent improvements at the nearby Wallenberg Playground, including a refurbished comfort station and refurbished sports courts by Parks & Courts of Dreams.

This project is part of nearly $100 million that has been invested in recent years for upgrades to Highbridge Park, which include the upcoming restoration and reopening of the 1848 landmark High Bridge, the reconstruction of the Brush Stairway which descends down to the former location of the Polo Grounds, the creation of the City’s first mountain biking course, renovations of baseball fields, basketball courts, interior paths, and much more.

CONTACT: Vickie Karp / Phil Abramson (212) 360-1311