Barretto Point Park

What secrets does a former asphalt plant hold? Here at Barretto Point Park, those secrets are revealed. This waterfront park, opened in 2006 in the Hunts Point neighborhood of the Bronx, offers a welcome green space in a manufacturing-heavy area. Barretto Point Park takes its name from Francis J. Barretto, a 19th-century merchant and assemblyman who once owned an estate nearby. The park sits on a bend in the East River. It boasts a playground, lawn, pier, beach, and an outdoor amphitheater. The park’s design is postmodern, with riprap lining the shoreline and paths following the natural topography. Before becoming this urban oasis, Barretto Point Park had a completely different life. It was home to a sand and gravel operation and an asphalt plant. The land itself is mostly fill, composed of building materials. After the asphalt plant closed, the area became a popular, albeit unofficial, hangout for local fishermen and youth. The city acquired the site in 2001 and transformed it into the Barretto Point Park we see today. A fascinating feature of Barretto Point Park is the Tiffany Street Pier. Originally built as a loading dock at the turn of the 20th century, it has had a tumultuous history. Rebuilt in 1996 with recycled plastic hardwood, it was struck by lightning just a year later. Reopened in 2000, it was then devastated by Hurricane Sandy in 2011. Now, on its third reconstruction, hopefully, it can weather future storms. From the park, you can see Rikers Island to the east, along with LaGuardia Airport and Flushing Bay. An informative sign in the park designates this bend in the East River as Barretto Bay. It also provides some history on the nearby North and South Brother Islands. Since 2008, Barretto Point Park has hosted the Floating Pool Lady. This barge-pool is moored offshore during the summer months, offering a unique swimming opportunity in a neighborhood with limited access to such facilities. Interestingly, the water for the pool is piped in from the city’s supply and piped out to the sewers. Before the park’s creation, locals referred to this area as “La Playita,” meaning “the little beach.” The park’s designers incorporated this local history, including a small beach area for sunbathing. The amphitheater at Barretto Point Park offers a stunning backdrop of the Manhattan skyline during performances.