Ferris Park

What secrets does Ferris Park hold? Ferris Park isn’t just a green space. It’s a sprawling 413.8-acre peninsula jutting into the East River. The Hutchinson River Expressway splits Ferris Park into two distinct halves. The east side boasts Bally’s Golf Links, a community park, and a waterfront promenade. The west side is a hub for soccer, cricket, barbecues, and fishing. The 3,000 trees of the Ferry Point 9/11 Memorial Grove and 9/11 Living Memorial Forest stand tall. These trees are a gift from the Prince of Monaco, a poignant reminder of shared grief and resilience. Ferris Park’s name echoes the Ferris family, 18th-century residents of Throggs Neck. In the 19th century, the area transformed into a summer resort. It featured German beer gardens, drawing visitors from Yorkville, Manhattan by steamboat. The Charlton Ferris House, built in 1687, is said to be the first house built in the Bronx. It stood on the estate of Albert L. Lovenstein, a testament to the area’s rich past. In 1937, New York City acquired the land for Ferris Park. This was in preparation for the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge construction. The original parcel, known as “Old Ferry,” stood at the meeting point of Westchester Creek and Baxter Creek Inlet. Robert Moses, the city’s Parks Commissioner, envisioned a beach, bathhouse, cafeteria, bus terminal, and parking field. These ambitious plans never materialized. In 1948, the park expanded to its current size. The west side thrived, serving churches, schools, and visitors from nearby neighborhoods. The east side, however, became a landfill site until 1970. In the early 2000s, Ferris Park saw revitalization plans. These included the 18-hole golf course, community park, and promenade we see today. The Trump Organization initially managed the golf course, but Bally’s Corporation took over in 2021. Bally’s is currently vying for a casino license, with plans for a resort on the park grounds. Ferris Park today offers a blend of recreation and reflection. It stands as a testament to the city’s constant evolution, a place where history whispers amidst modern amenities.