Red Tailed Hawk
ParkNew York, US
Starlight Park
Starlight Park is a vibrant urban oasis nestled along the banks of the Bronx River in New York City, offering a refreshing escape from the surrounding cityscape.
About
Starlight Park is a vibrant urban oasis nestled along the banks of the Bronx River in New York City, offering a refreshing escape from the surrounding cityscape. This once-industrial stretch has been magnificently transformed into a verdant greenspace, making it a unique and vital link within the extensive Bronx River Greenway. It’s a testament to successful urban revitalization, where nature and recreation harmoniously coexist, inviting visitors to connect with the environment in a meaningful way.
The park boasts a variety of features designed for both active recreation and serene contemplation. Visitors can wander along multi-use pathways that trace the river's edge, discover multi-purpose synthetic turf fields perfect for various sports, and enjoy basketball courts and expansive picnic areas. For families, two new playgrounds with engaging spray showers provide ample entertainment. The Bronx River itself is a central highlight, offering a living habitat where keen observers can spot diverse birdlife, including majestic Red-tailed Hawks soaring overhead, the melodious Northern Mockingbird, and aquatic birds like Mallards, Canada Geese, Double-crested Cormorants, and Belted Kingfishers. Eastern Gray Squirrels are common, and the river is home to Pond Sliders. The park's natural flora also shines with species such as common dandelion, black-eyed Susan, and wild carrot.
Starlight Park truly is a "new gem" of the Bronx, especially following its recent $41 million renovation which completed in April 2023. This significant investment has enhanced its beauty and accessibility, making it an ideal destination for those seeking peaceful riverside views, opportunities for exercise, or a tranquil spot to relax. Whether you're kayaking on the river, cycling the greenway, or simply enjoying a picnic amidst the revived landscape, Starlight Park provides a memorable experience that showcases the power of ecological restoration and community-focused development in a dense urban environment. Wondering what that bird or insect is? Find out on your visit using the Snappit nature app.
The history of Starlight Park is a fascinating journey from a bustling amusement destination to a revitalized urban park. The site originally opened in 1918 as Exposition Park, hosting the short-lived Bronx International Exposition of Science, Arts and Industries. Soon after, it was rebranded as Starlight Park, becoming a popular amusement park in the early 20th century. During its heyday, it featured attractions like a massive swimming pool, roller coasters, numerous rides, and even a 15,000-seat Bronx Coliseum. However, the amusement park's fortunes declined, particularly after a destructive fire in 1932, and it eventually closed in the 1940s. The current city park began to take shape in the late 1950s and early 1960s, replacing parts of the former amusement park's footprint. More recently, Starlight Park has undergone extensive revitalization, with a major Phase 2 project completed in April 2023. This $41 million endeavor transformed a previously paved, industrial area into the vibrant greenspace it is today, successfully closing a critical gap in the Bronx River Greenway and earning it recognition for its sustainable design and community integration.
What to do here
Walk, bike, or run along the scenic riverfront. Enjoy picnics in designated areas. Utilize the sports fields for baseball, basketball, or soccer. Take advantage of the seasonal canoe launch to paddle on the Bronx River, with free community paddling often available on Fridays during the summer. Keep an eye out for diverse bird species and other wildlife.
Seasonal info
Fall: Offers picturesque scenery and a quieter atmosphere.
Summer: Features the Bronx River Alliance's community canoeing program and splash pads in the playgrounds.
Accessibility
Starlight Park is highly accessible, featuring wheelchair-accessible playgrounds with spray showers, accessible swings for children aged 5-12, companion seating, accessible game tables, and drinking fountains. The park's multi-use pathways are also suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, and recent renovations included new bridges designed to improve access.
Don't miss
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Don't miss the panoramic views of the Bronx River, the series of multi-use pathways, and the newly constructed pedestrian bridges. The Bronx River House, an environmental learning laboratory, is also located within the park. The playgrounds with spray showers and various sports fields are key attractions.
Wildlife you might spot
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Good to know before you go
Pack a picnic
Food options within the park may be limited, so bringing your own snacks or a picnic lunch is recommended for a full day out.
Go exploring
Starlight Park is a key part of the Bronx River Greenway; consider extending your visit by walking or cycling along the connected paths to nearby parks.
Take to the water
During summer, look out for the Bronx River Alliance's community paddling program, often free on Fridays, to experience the river by kayak or canoe.
Observe the wildlife
Keep your eyes peeled, especially near the river, for the diverse bird species and other animals that call Starlight Park home.
Check for events
Before your visit, check the NYC Parks website for Starlight Park to see if there are any volunteer opportunities or community events happening.
Parking
Parking is generally available along both sides of Sheridan Boulevard, offering convenient access to the park.
Frequently asked questions
- Yes, Starlight Park is highly suitable for families, offering two new playgrounds with spray showers, multi-purpose fields for sports like soccer and baseball, basketball courts, and picnic areas for family outings. The park's accessible features also make it welcoming for families with various needs.
- Visitors to Starlight Park can observe a variety of birds such as Red-tailed Hawks, Northern Mockingbirds, Mallards, Canada Geese, Double-crested Cormorants, European Starlings, Cedar Waxwings, House Sparrows, Monk Parakeets, Rock Pigeons, American Robins, and Belted Kingfishers along the Bronx River. Eastern Gray Squirrels and Pond Sliders are also commonly seen. The park's diverse flora includes common dandelion, black-eyed Susan, and wild carrot.
- Yes, Starlight Park features wheelchair-accessible playgrounds with spray showers, accessible swings, companion seating, accessible game tables, and drinking fountains, ensuring a welcoming experience for visitors with mobility needs. The park also boasts multi-use pathways suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, enhanced by new bridges that improve overall park access.
Recent snaps at this place
Feb 25, 2026
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