A new jewel in the Bronx. That’s what they called Barretto Point Park when it opened in 2006. But the story of Barretto Cove goes back much further. Long before the park existed this area held a sand and gravel operation. An asphalt plant also stood here. This land was transformed. It became a waterfront oasis.
Francis J Barretto a 19th-century merchant and Westchester County Assemblyman owned an estate here. The cove bears his name. His wife Julia Coster Barretto’s family name is commemorated on nearby Coster Street. Until 1895 Westchester County extended west to the Bronx River. This area was part of that county. Barretto Point was just a mile or so east of the river.
Imagine the transformation. From industrial grit to a thriving park. Today Barretto Point Park offers fishing piers. Visitors enjoy canoeing and kayaking. Basketball and volleyball courts are available. A floating swimming pool is a highlight during the summer months. It rests on an old barge. There’s even a small amphitheater and a promenade. The park provides stunning views. Manhattan’s skyscrapers are visible. North Brother Island is nearby. This island is known for its abandoned sanitarium. Typhoid Mary Mallon was exiled there. Riker’s Island New York City’s infamous prison is also visible.
The Tiffany Street Pier is adjacent to the park. This pier is a neighborhood favorite for fishing. It was closed for repairs after damage from Hurricane Sandy. It’s built from recycled plastic bottles. This innovative material is resistant to damage from marine insects. A lightning strike once melted a third of the pier. The pier reopened in 2000 only to be damaged again by Hurricane Sandy.
Barretto Point Park is more than just a park. It is a testament to urban renewal. It is a haven of peace and recreation. It provides a contrast to the surrounding industrial landscape. It also offers a glimpse into the rich history of the Bronx. The park showcases the resilience of nature and the transformative power of community. It is a place where you can connect with the water with nature and with history all at once.