“A zoo for grass” is what some used to call Montefiore Park. But things have dramatically changed since then. Welcome to Montefiore Park a revitalized oasis in Hamilton Heights.
Montefiore Park wasn’t always the welcoming space you see today. Once upon a time, this land was part of a large farm owned by John A Meyer. Later, it was divided into lots. The Hebrew Orphan Asylum of New York once stood nearby on West 138th Street.
Let’s step back to 1906. The parks department acquired this triangle of land. Montefiore Park was named after the Montefiore Home for Chronic Invalids. The sanitarium was named in honor of Moses Montefiore, a Jewish philanthropist. The sanitarium later moved to the Bronx and is now the Montefiore Medical Center.
For years, Montefiore Park struggled. Some even recall the smell of urination being overpowering. The park became a place for illicit activities and garbage. The Montefiore Park Neighborhood Association was founded in 1994. Volunteers worked tirelessly to clean up the park.
In 2019, an exciting renovation was announced for Montefiore Park. The redesign aimed to transform the park into a vibrant community space. The renovations cost $18.4 million. In January 2022, the revitalized Montefiore Park opened to the public.
Today, Montefiore Park is nearly triple its original size. It now covers 0.34 acres. A large paved plaza welcomes markets and live events. A grassy field invites relaxation with stone seating. A beautiful garden adds a touch of nature. Thirty-six new trees now grace the park. Planted areas buffer the park from busy streets.
Notice the granite pavers under your feet. They are set in a concentric running bond arc pattern. New streetlights illuminate the park at night.
The renovation of Montefiore Park also included important infrastructure upgrades. Over 2840 feet of water mains were replaced. New catch basins were installed to reduce flooding.
The redesigned Montefiore Park triples the amount of open space. It provides a safer area for recreation. Montefiore Park serves as a gateway to historic Hamilton Heights and Sugar Hill. The Montefiore Park Neighborhood Association hosts community programming here.
Montefiore Park stands as a testament to community collaboration. It’s a place where residents and visitors can gather. It’s a place where the community can engage with one another.
Remember the story of Montefiore Park. It’s a story of transformation. It is a story of community. It is a story of a park reclaimed.