Highbridge Park
The Daily Plant : Thursday, May 24, 2007
First Mountain Bike Trail In NYC Opens At Highbridge Park
Daniel Avila
Volunteers were joined by Commissioner Adrian Benepe, City Parks Foundation Executive Director David Rivel, representatives from the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA), New York City Mountain Biking Association (NYCMTB), and the Green Apple Corps to cut the ribbon on the BMX – Highbridge Park Mountain Bike Trails. The three-mile trail system was created with help from thousands of volunteer hours, and is unprecedented in an urban center like New York City.
Highbridge Park now offers cross-country, free-ride and dirt jump/BMX trails.
The new trail system includes a challenge trail for younger or newer riders. The project also includes the development and installation of trailhead kiosks, trail markers and interpretive signage, natural resources monitoring, landscaping material to replant denuded areas, trail building tools, and educational pamphlets that advocate safety and environmental stewardship.
In addition to the dedicated efforts of volunteers and Parks staff, the Highbridge Park Mountain Bike Trails were built through the combined support of Parks & Recreation, NYCMTB, IMBA, and the Concerned Long Island Bicyclists (CLIMB), with $100,000 in funding from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
"The Highbridge Park Mountain Bike Trails project is a pivotal one in the history of mountain biking" said New York City Mountain Biking Association President Jamie Bogner. "Never before has a mix of cross country, freeride and dirt jump trails been built in the middle of a city the size of New York City."
Just as soon as we cut the ribbon on the City’s first mountain biking trail, we are soon going to cut the second! Join us on Saturday, May 26 at 10:00 a.m. to celebrate the new trail at Cunningham Park in Queens.
QUOTATION FOR THE DAY
"For myself I am an optimist –
it does not seem to be much use being anything else."
Winston Churchill
(1874 – 1965)
Directions to Highbridge Park

Know Before You Go
There are currently 5 service interruptions affecting access within this park.
Highbridge Recreation Center
New York City’s recreation centers and indoor pools remain closed to the general public until further notice to provide COVID-19 related services as well as free childcare options for children who are scheduled for blended learning. To learn more or to apply for the childcare program, please visit the New York City Department of Education’s Learning Bridges program page.
Once we reopen, NYC Parks will extend all existing recreation center memberships to cover the length of time we are closed to the general public.
Highbridge Park
As a part of our Anchor Parks initiative, reconstruction of Highbridge Park is now underway. This project will reinstate access to a 10-block stretch of the park, improve connectivity and pathways, and restore the historic Grand Staircase at Laurel Hill Terrace. The project will also improve safety and security with new park lighting, and improve ADA access. Follow this project on the Parks Capital Tracker for updates.
Anticipated Completion: Summer 2020
Sunken Playground
As a part of our Anchor Parks initiative, reconstruction of Sunken Playground is now underway. Follow this project on the Parks Capital Tracker for updates.
Anticipated Completion: Winter 2021
Adventure Playground
As a part of our Anchor Parks initiative, reconstruction of Adventure Playground is now underway. Follow this project on the Parks Capital Tracker for updates.
Anticipated Completion: Winter 2021
Highbridge Park
The Highbridge Park Water Tower is currently closed and undergoing reconstruction. Follow this project on the Parks Capital Tracker for updates.
Anticipated Completion: Spring 2021

News
- NYC PARKS CUTS THE RIBBON ON ANCHOR PARKS RENOVATION AT ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND IN HIGHBRIDGE PARK
- ANCHOR PARKS PROGRESS: NYC PARKS UNVEILS NEW SOCCER FIELD AT HIGHBRIDGE PARK
- NYC PARKS AND DEPUTY MAYOR ALICIA GLEN BREAK GROUND ON ANCHOR PARKS’ ASTORIA PARK PROJECT AND UNVEIL SCHEMATIC DESIGNS FOR ANCHOR PARKS CITY-WIDE PROJECTS
Events
- Second Saturdays Trailwork Party + Bike Share at Highbridge Bike Park
- Second Saturdays Trailwork Party + Bike Share at Highbridge Bike Park
- Second Saturdays Trailwork Party + Bike Share at Highbridge Bike Park
- Second Saturdays Trailwork Party + Bike Share at Highbridge Bike Park
- Second Saturdays Trailwork Party + Bike Share at Highbridge Bike Park