View source for Starlight Park

{{short description|Public park in the Bronx, New York}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2018}}
{{infobox park
|name         = Starlight Park
|photo        = Starlight Park north ped bridge fr 174 jeh.jpg
|photo_caption= Pedestrian bridge north of the 174th Street bridge
|coordinates  ={{coord|40|50|13|N|73|52|48|W|type:landmark_region:US-NY|display=inline,title}}
|type         = [[Urban park]]
|location     = [[West Farms, Bronx|West Farms]] and [[Crotona Park East, Bronx]], [[New York City]]
|area         = {{convert|13|acre|ha}}
|opened       = 1950s
|operator = [[New York City Department of Parks and Recreation|NYC Parks]]
| status = Open
| publictransit = '''[[New York City Subway|Subway]]''': {{NYCS Pelham local|time=bullets}} to [[Whitlock Avenue (IRT Pelham Line)|Whitlock Avenue]], {{NYCS White Plains local|time=bullets}} to [[West Farms Square–East Tremont Avenue (IRT White Plains Road Line)|West Farms Square–East Tremont Avenue]]<br />'''[[New York City Bus|Bus]]''': {{NYC bus link|Bx11|Bx36}}
}}
{{Infobox amusement park
| name = Starlight Park
| image = [[File:Starlight Park.png|250px]]
| caption = Bathers at the Cascade in Starlight Park, 1921.
| resort = 
| location = [[Bronx]], [[New York (state)|New York]], United States
| coordinates = {{coord|40|50|13|N|73|52|48|W|type:landmark_region:US-NY|display=inline}}
| theme = [[Amusement park]]
| owner = 
| general_manager = 
| operator = 
| opening_date = 1918
| closing_date = 1937
| previous_names = '''Exposition Park''' (during the 1918 [[Bronx International Exposition of Science, Arts and Industries]])
| season = 
| visitors = 
| area = 
| rides = 
| coasters = 
| water_rides = 
| slogan = 
| footnotes = 
}}'''Starlight Park''' is a public park located along the [[Bronx River]] in [[the Bronx]] in [[New York City]]. Starlight Park stands on the site of an [[amusement park]] of the same name that operated in the first half of the 20th century.<ref name="amusement" /><ref>{{cite book |author=[[Lloyd Ultan (historian)|Ultan, Lloyd]] ; Unger, Barbara |title=Bronx Accent – A Literary and Pictorial History of the Borough |location=New Brunswick, New Jersey |publisher=[[Rutgers University Press]] |date=2000 |page=241 |via=[[Google Books]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2nurkL6vV8UC |isbn=978-0-813-52863-2 |access-date=December 30, 2012}}</ref>

The amusement park was originally built for the [[Bronx International Exposition of Science, Arts and Industries]], which was hosted in 1918, and as such the park was known as '''Exposition Park''' during that time. During its heyday, Starlight Park featured various amusement rides, as well as the [[Bronx Coliseum]] and the submarine {{USS|Holland|SS-1|6}}. Much of the park was destroyed in a 1932 fire, though the remaining attractions continued to operate until 1946.

The northeastern part of the amusement park became the [[West Farms Depot]] of [[MTA Regional Bus Operations]]. A city park, operated by the [[New York City Department of Parks and Recreation]], was built in the late 1950s as part of the construction of the [[Sheridan Expressway]]. The highway was built parallel to the Bronx River on the former site of the amusement park.

==History==

=== Amusement park ===

==== Early years ====
The site had originally contained the estate of politician [[William Waldorf Astor]].<ref name="Boys 2016">{{cite web|url=http://www.boweryboyshistory.com/2016/09/the-bronx-worlds-fair-of-1918-the-failure-which-became-a-magical-park.html|title=The Bronx World's Fair of 1918: the failure which became a magical park|date=September 13, 2016|website=The Bowery Boys: New York City History|access-date=October 2, 2019|archive-date=September 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927170236/http://www.boweryboyshistory.com/2016/09/the-bronx-worlds-fair-of-1918-the-failure-which-became-a-magical-park.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":02">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1918/06/30/archives/crowds-see-opening-of-trade-exposition-police-commissioner-enright.html|title=Crowds See Opening Of Trade Exposition; Police Commissioner Enright Receives Keys for City at Formal Opening. Permanent Show Planned; Borough President Bruckner Thanks Promoters for Choosing Site in the Bronx.|date=June 30, 1918|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 2, 2019|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191015011554/https://www.nytimes.com/1918/06/30/archives/crowds-see-opening-of-trade-exposition-police-commissioner-enright.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Gottlock2 p. 92">{{harvnb|ps=.|Gottlock|Gottlock|2013|p=92}}</ref> Exposition Park was initially leased in 1914<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 92" /> as part of the plans for the [[Bronx International Exposition of Science, Arts and Industries]],<ref name="asphalt">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qUfosR3PMQoC|title=History in Asphalt – The Origin of Bronx Street and Place Names, Borough of the Bronx, New York City|last=McNamara|first=John|date=1984|publisher=[[Bronx County Historical Society]]|isbn=978-0-941-98016-6|location=The Bronx, New York|pages=287, 314, 397–398|access-date=December 30, 2012|via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref> which opened in 1918.<ref name=":02"/> The exposition, intended to showcase the recent creation of [[Bronx County]], was so unsuccessful that it only attracted one country, Brazil.<ref name="DeVillo 20152">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Cf7BCQAAQBAJ&pg=PA149|title=The Bronx River in History & Folklore|last=DeVillo|first=S.P.|publisher=Arcadia Publishing Incorporated|year=2015|isbn=978-1-62585-490-2|access-date=October 2, 2019}}</ref>{{Rp|149}} The park was renamed Starlight Park on October 18, 1919, shortly after the exposition's close.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 95">{{harvnb|ps=.|Gottlock|Gottlock|2013|p=95}}</ref><ref name="amusement">{{cite book |last=Futrell |first=Jim |title=Amusement Parks of New York |location=Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania |publisher=Stackpole Books |date=2006 |pages=29–30 |via=[[Google Books]] |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MKOkQoVeGWAC |isbn=978-0-811-73262-8 |access-date=December 30, 2012}}</ref> The Bronx Expositions Corporation purchased numerous rides and attractions, and converted the "exhibition hall" to an [[ice rink]] and dance hall.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 95" />

The rebranded Starlight Park opened in 1920. Throughout that year Starlight Park's operators added several attractions and concessions, including shooting galleries, games of chance, and a [[dark ride]] through an exhibit of "grottos and other worldly sights".<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 95" /> The park continued to add attractions and events for the 1921 season, including a [[baseball field]], several shows, and a kid's club.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 96">{{harvnb|Gottlock|Gottlock|2013|ps=.|p=96}}</ref> Further additions in 1922 included a sound system by the pool area; a program of movies broadcast from a projector; and rides such as electric riding cars, the Gyroplane, and the Maelstrom. Numerous promotional events were also held that year, including a Film Players Club fundraiser, a singing contest, and a "Surprise Week" featuring a different performance each day of the week.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 98">{{harvnb|Gottlock|Gottlock|2013|ps=.|p=98}}</ref>

==== Lawsuit and incidents ====
In December 1920 the Bronx Expositions Corporation was the subject of a [[breach of contract]] lawsuit filed by Exposition Catering,<ref name=":03">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1920/12/15/archives/asks-5000000-damages-bronx-catering-company-sues-exposition-for.html|title=ASKS $5,000,000 DAMAGES.; Bronx Catering Company Sues Exposition for Contract Breach.|date=1920-12-15|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-10-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016134308/https://www.nytimes.com/1920/12/15/archives/asks-5000000-damages-bronx-catering-company-sues-exposition-for.html|url-status=live}}</ref> which at the time was one of the largest lawsuits filed in the entertainment industry.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 95" /> According to the lawsuit, the Expositions Corporation had failed to uphold a contract to build an elaborate entrance, a convention center, and a permanent exposition, and had instead erected "a cheap amusement park" because of their mismanagement of money.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 96" /><ref name=":03" /> The outcome of the lawsuit was unknown.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 96" /> During this time, several other lawsuits were filed against the park because of numerous incidents which resulted in injuries.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 96" />

In 1922, there were two accidents that damaged the park's reputation.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 99">{{harvnb|Gottlock|Gottlock|2013|ps=.|p=99}}</ref> On May 21, a rider decided to stand up on the roller coaster as it rounded a curve, fell off, and was killed. The operator applied the emergency brake, injuring six other riders.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 99" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1922/05/21/archives/two-killed-one-hurt-in-automobile-crash-six-are-injured-in-roller.html|title=Two Killed, One Hurt in Automobile Crash; Six Are Injured in Roller Coaster Mishap|date=1922-05-21|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-10-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016142513/https://www.nytimes.com/1922/05/21/archives/two-killed-one-hurt-in-automobile-crash-six-are-injured-in-roller.html|url-status=live}}</ref> That November, Starlight Park's large Exposition Hall was destroyed in a fire, and the park's Ferris wheel and scenic railway were also badly damaged. Two smaller dance halls replaced the Exposition Hall.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 99" /> Furthermore, the park in general was susceptible to fire because most of the buildings were flammable wooden structures. A thunderstorm on June 23, 1922, burned down several structures.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 99" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1923/06/27/archives/ten-minute-cyclone-kills-4-razes-wall-uproots-500-trees-centres.html|title=TEN MINUTE CYCLONE KILLS 4, RAZES WALL, UPROOTS 500 TREES; Centres Fury on Brooklyn, Overturning Houses -- Damage Closes Prospect Park.|date=1923-06-27|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-10-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016142527/https://www.nytimes.com/1923/06/27/archives/ten-minute-cyclone-kills-4-razes-wall-uproots-500-trees-centres.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

There were several other incidents that brought negative attention to Starlight Park. For instance, throughout the park's operation, there were numerous drownings in the pool area.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 99" /> Additionally, over two hundred bathers' items were stolen during a mass robbery in 1925.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 99" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1925/08/13/archives/2-shot-in-holdup-200-bathers-robbed-eight-armed-men-order-six.html|title=2 SHOT IN HOLD-UP; 200 BATHERS ROBBED; Eight Armed Men Order Six Employes at Starlight Park, Bronx, to 'Stick 'Em Up.' LOOT CHECK ROOM AND FLEE Officer and Thief Wounded in Running Fight -- 500 Patrons in Panic. 2 SHOT IN HOLD-UP; 200 BATHERS ROBBED|date=1925-08-13|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-10-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016142521/https://www.nytimes.com/1925/08/13/archives/2-shot-in-holdup-200-bathers-robbed-eight-armed-men-order-six.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The following year, a boxer died in a match at Starlight Park.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1926/10/06/archives/boxer-cleared-of-homicide-charge.html|title=Boxer Cleared of Homicide Charge.|date=1926-10-06|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-10-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016181858/https://www.nytimes.com/1926/10/06/archives/boxer-cleared-of-homicide-charge.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A circus performer died in 1930 after falling {{Convert|40|ft||abbr=}} from a high wire.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 104">{{harvnb|Gottlock|Gottlock|2013|ps=.|p=104}}</ref>

==== Later years and closure ====
The park was at its largest in 1926 when it had 150 concessions and 26 rides.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 105">{{harvnb|Gottlock|Gottlock|2013|ps=.|p=105}}</ref> The following year saw the installation of the Forest Inn, a combined restaurant/performance venue. Many of the original attractions still remained, including the Bug House, Nonsense House, the [[The Whip (ride)|Whip]], a [[Noah's Ark replicas and derivatives|Noah's Ark]], a [[Skee-Ball]] game, the wooden coaster, the Ferris wheel, the Frolic, the Motor Dome, the Whirlpool, Witching Waves, and the Canals of Venice.<ref name="Gottlock2 pp. 100-101" /> In 1929, the 15,000-seat [[Bronx Coliseum]] opened at Starlight Park, becoming the park's new sporting arena.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 103">{{harvnb|Gottlock|Gottlock|2013|ps=.|p=103}}</ref><ref name=":3">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1929/04/07/archives/new-boxing-arena-will-open-friday-chocolate-and-graham-to-meet-in.html|title=NEW BOXING ARENA WILL OPEN FRIDAY; Chocolate and Graham to Meet in Fifteen-Round Inaugural Feature in the Bronx. COLISEUM TO SEAT 18,500 Dominick Petrone and Al Goldberg Head Card Tomorrow Night at New Broadway, Brooklyn.|last=Dawson|first=James P.|date=1929-04-07|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-10-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016181843/https://www.nytimes.com/1929/04/07/archives/new-boxing-arena-will-open-friday-chocolate-and-graham-to-meet-in.html|url-status=live}}</ref> With the start of the [[Great Depression]] in 1929, Starlight Park's operators installed several rides, as well as launched promotions such as free-admission days and contests, in an attempt to increase its visitor count. The park increased its schedule of events, as they were seen as more efficient than adding new rides.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 104" />

On August 8, 1932, a large section of Starlight Park was destroyed in a fire that started under the now-abandoned roller coaster and spread to numerous concessions. Fifteen thousand guests saw the fire, which was said to be started by several young boys.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 104" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1932/08/08/archives/foreclosure-faces-jefferson-shrine-s-g-gibboney-head-of-memorial.html|title=FORECLOSURE FACES JEFFERSON SHRINE; S. G. Gibboney, Head of Memorial Association, Appeals for Funds to Save Monticello. ABOUT $127,000 IS NEEDED Dr. G. J. Ryan Urges Public to Aid in Preserving Birthplace of Great Leader.|date=1932-08-08|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-10-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016183741/https://www.nytimes.com/1932/08/08/archives/foreclosure-faces-jefferson-shrine-s-g-gibboney-head-of-memorial.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36002503/|title=Boys Start Blaze in Starlight Park|date=August 8, 1932|work=New York Daily News|access-date=October 16, 2019|page=75|via=newspapers.com {{open access}}}}</ref> In the aftermath of the fire, the Coliseum was the largest remaining attraction and continued to keep the park profitable. Several political rallies, including those of the [[Communist Party USA]], were held at the Coliseum. However, Starlight Park also continued to make a profit from the swimming pool, picnic areas, and sporting fields.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 104" /> Furthermore, in 1933, Starlight Park's manager added several recreational facilities in order to keep the park solvent. By this time, it was no longer envisioned as an amusement park.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 104" />

By 1940, Starlight Park was bankrupt, and a portion of the park and Coliseum were sold at auction.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 104" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1940/08/03/archives/mortgagees-buy-in-part-of-bronx-sports-center.html|title=Mortgagees Buy in Part Of Bronx Sports Center|date=1940-08-03|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-10-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016183735/https://www.nytimes.com/1940/08/03/archives/mortgagees-buy-in-part-of-bronx-sports-center.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The new owner, Richard F. Mount, leased the structures to a syndicate in May 1941, which in turn proposed building new sporting fields on the site.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 104" /> However, these plans were abridged by [[World War II]] and the [[United States Army]] took over the Coliseum between 1942 and 1946.<ref name="DeVillo 20152"/>{{Rp|152}}<ref name="Valentino 2018">{{cite web |url=http://www.thisisthebronx.info/weekday-magazine-starlight-park-a-century-of-bronx-history-part-2/ |title=WEEKDAY MAGAZINE – Starlight Park: A Century of Bronx History – Part 2 |last=Valentino |first=Elisa |date=July 12, 2018 |website=This Is The Bronx |access-date=August 8, 2018 |archive-date=August 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808073419/http://www.thisisthebronx.info/weekday-magazine-starlight-park-a-century-of-bronx-history-part-2/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The stucco and wood bathing pavilion was damaged in a fire in July 1946<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/37287857/|title=Fire Damages Bronx Bathhouse|date=July 18, 1946|work=New York Evening World|access-date=October 16, 2019|page=11|via=newspapers.com {{open access}}}}</ref><ref name="Gottlock2 p. 106">{{harvnb|Gottlock|Gottlock|2013|ps=.|p=106}}</ref> and was totally destroyed by another blaze the next year.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1947/10/23/archives/2alarm-fire-in-starlight-park.html|title=2-Alarm Fire in Starlight Park|date=1947-10-23|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-10-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016181847/https://www.nytimes.com/1947/10/23/archives/2alarm-fire-in-starlight-park.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The park site was condemned,<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 106" /> and the Coliseum became the [[West Farms Depot|West Farms bus depot]], operated by [[MTA Regional Bus Operations]].<ref name="DeVillo 20152" />{{Rp|152}}<ref name="Valentino 2018" />

===Conversion to city park===

[[File:Starlight Park boat dock jeh.jpg|thumb|left|Boat dock on reopening day]]
A city park, operated by the [[New York City Department of Parks and Recreation]], was built in the late 1950s as part of the construction of the [[Sheridan Expressway]]. The highway was built parallel to the Bronx River on the former site of Starlight Park, which had been condemned to provide the right-of-way for both the Sheridan and Cross Bronx Expressways. As part of the project, a city park with the same name was created in its place, east of the expressway.<ref name="NYCPks-Starlight">{{cite web |title=Starlight Park: History |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/starlight-park/history |publisher=[[New York City Department of Parks and Recreation]] |access-date=February 19, 2017 |archive-date=February 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220171623/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/starlight-park/history |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="BxRiverGreenway-Ch2">{{cite web |work=Bronx River Greenway Strategic Plan |title=Chapter 2: Greenway Route from South to North |url=http://bronxriver.org/puma/images/usersubmitted/file/GreenwayPlanChapter2v3_WEB.pdf |publisher=[[Bronx River Alliance]] |access-date=February 19, 2017 |archive-date=February 20, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220094402/http://bronxriver.org/puma/images/usersubmitted/file/GreenwayPlanChapter2v3_WEB.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Photo Report on Progress of Cross Bronx Expressway |url=http://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2024/New%20York%20NY%20Post/New%20York%20NY%20Post%201950/New%20York%20NY%20Post%201950%20-%206143.pdf#xml=http://fultonhistory.com/dtSearch/dtisapi6.dll?cmd=getpdfhits&u=5bd61939&DocId=2783975&Index=Z%3a%5cDISK%20X&HitCount=7&hits=10+1d+78+b1+cf+d3+d4+&SearchForm=%2fFulton%5fNew%5fform%2ehtml&.pdf |access-date=February 27, 2017 |work=New York Post |via=Fultonhistory.com |date=April 30, 1950 |archive-date=June 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624122803/https://fultonhistory.com/Newspaper%2024/New%20York%20NY%20Post/New%20York%20NY%20Post%201950/New%20York%20NY%20Post%201950%20-%206143.pdf#xml=http://fultonhistory.com/dtSearch/dtisapi6.dll?cmd=getpdfhits&u=5bd61939&DocId=2783975&Index=Z%3a%5cDISK%20X&HitCount=7&hits=10+1d+78+b1+cf+d3+d4+&SearchForm=%2fFulton%5fNew%5fform%2ehtml&.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The city park comprised land west and south of the original site of the amusement park, along both banks of the river.<ref name="DeVillo 20152" />{{Rp|152}}

In the 1990s, after Youth Ministries had made the state aware of pollution on the Bronx River, the New York state government started to clean up the river. Cleanup efforts were delayed when chemicals from an old gas plant at the site were discovered in 2003. As part of the plan to clean up the pollution, the [[New York State Department of Transportation]] agreed to rebuild the park and connect it to the [[Bronx River Greenway]], a proposed waterfront path along the Bronx River.<ref name="Wall 2013">{{cite web |last=Wall |first=Patrick |title=Starlight Park Officially Reopens, But Remains Disconnected to Greenway |website=DNAinfo New York |date=May 13, 2013 |url=https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20130513/claremont-village/starlight-park-officially-reopens-but-remains-disconnected-greenway |access-date=August 7, 2018 |archive-date=August 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807220749/https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20130513/claremont-village/starlight-park-officially-reopens-but-remains-disconnected-greenway/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2013, after a 10-year renovation that cost $18 million, NYC Parks reopened a {{convert|13|acre|ha|adj=on}} section of the public park.<ref name="Bronx Times 2017" /><ref>{{cite web |title=Starlight Park Opens With A Community Celebration, On Land And On Water |publisher=NYC Parks |website=Starlight Park News |date=May 10, 2013 |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/starlight-park/pressrelease/21128 |access-date=August 7, 2018 |archive-date=August 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807220418/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/starlight-park/pressrelease/21128 |url-status=live }}</ref> Another {{convert|11|acre|ha|adj=on}} segment remained closed because of a disagreement with [[Amtrak]], who owned the [[Northeast Corridor]] railroad tracks on the park's eastern edge.<ref name="Wall 2013" /> A $13 million environmentally-friendly headquarters for the [[Bronx River Alliance]], described in ''The New York Times'' as "the greenest building in the South Bronx", opened within the park in 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/10/nyregion/the-greenest-building-in-the-south-bronx.html |title=The Greenest Building in the South Bronx |date=July 10, 2016 |last=Stapinski |first=Helene |website=The New York Times |access-date=August 8, 2018 |archive-date=August 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808073447/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/10/nyregion/the-greenest-building-in-the-south-bronx.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2017, an expansion of the new Starlight Park was announced. As part of this expansion, parts of the park would undergo environmental cleanups. The Phase 2 project would also connect Starlight Park to [[Concrete Plant Park]] south of Westchester Avenue via new bridges across the Bronx River and the Northeast Corridor.<ref name="Bronx Times 2017">{{cite web |title=Starlight Park will undergo a major transformation as part of the $40 million Bronx River Greenway project |website=Bronx Times |date=May 12, 2017 |last=Wirsing |first=Robert |url=https://www.bxtimes.com/stories/2017/19/19-greenway-2017-05-12-bx.html |access-date=August 7, 2018 |archive-date=August 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807191657/https://www.bxtimes.com/stories/2017/19/19-greenway-2017-05-12-bx.html |url-status=live }}</ref> This coincided with another plan to downgrade Sheridan Expressway to a street-level boulevard so that the surrounding community could more easily access Starlight Park.<ref>{{cite AV media |url=https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/thumbnails/image/SheridanBlvd_Overall%20Plan.jpg |title=Sheridan Blvd Overall Plan |publisher=[[New York State Department of Transportation]] |website=[[Governor of New York|governor.ny.gov]] |date=2017 |access-date=November 10, 2017 |archive-date=July 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170702212257/https://www.governor.ny.gov/sites/governor.ny.gov/files/thumbnails/image/SheridanBlvd_Overall%20Plan.jpg |url-status=live }}</ref> At the time, the park was only accessible via the East 174th Street bridge that crosses both the expressway and the Bronx River. The project was undertaken to improve pedestrian safety and increase access to both Starlight Park and the Bronx River shoreline.<ref name="McGeehan 2017">{{cite web |last=McGeehan |first=Patrick |title=Cuomo Plots Demise of Bronx's Unloved Sheridan Expressway |website=The New York Times |date=March 19, 2017 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/19/nyregion/cuomo-bronx-sheridan-expressway.html |access-date=November 11, 2017 |archive-date=November 11, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111095416/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/19/nyregion/cuomo-bronx-sheridan-expressway.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="NYDN-Cuomo-Announcement-2017">{{cite news |last1=Durkin |first1=Erin |title=Cuomo announces Sheridan Expressway to be demolished in favor of pedestrian boulevard in the Bronx |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/cuomo-announces-sheridan-expressway-demolished-article-1.3002828 |access-date=November 11, 2017 |work=[[New York Daily News]] |date=March 19, 2017 |archive-date=November 11, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111153407/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/cuomo-announces-sheridan-expressway-demolished-article-1.3002828 |url-status=live }}</ref> The project to downgrade the Sheridan Expressway began in late 2018<ref>{{cite web | last=Rivoli | first=Dan | title=Feds pave way to transform the Bronx's Sheridan Expressway | website=New York Daily News | date=September 19, 2018 | url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-metro-sheridan-expressway-boulevard-20180919-story.html | access-date=September 20, 2018 | archive-date=September 19, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180919215552/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-metro-sheridan-expressway-boulevard-20180919-story.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Walker | first=Ameena | title=Bronx's Sheridan Expressway overhaul gets federal approval | website=Curbed NY | date=September 20, 2018 | url=https://ny.curbed.com/2018/9/20/17882312/bronx-sheridan-expressway-overhaul-approved | access-date=October 16, 2019 | archive-date=October 16, 2019 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016184256/https://ny.curbed.com/2018/9/20/17882312/bronx-sheridan-expressway-overhaul-approved | url-status=live }}</ref> and was completed in December 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.amny.com/news/state-finishes-sheridan-boulevard-conversion-to-boost-bronx-waterfront-access/|title=State finishes Sheridan Boulevard conversion to boost Bronx River waterfront access|last=Barone|first=Vincent|date=2019-12-11|website=www.amny.com|access-date=2019-12-12|archive-date=January 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131140802/https://www.amny.com/news/state-finishes-sheridan-boulevard-conversion-to-boost-bronx-waterfront-access/|url-status=live}}</ref> Contractors renovated the park during the early 2020s.<ref name="Yensi 2022">{{cite web |last=Yensi |first=Amy |date=July 14, 2022 |title=Residents hope to preserve Starlight Park, an 'oasis in the Bronx' |url=https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/city-of-parks/2022/07/13/residents-hope-to-preserve-starlight-park--an--oasis-in-the-bronx- |access-date=May 4, 2023 |website=Spectrum News NY1 New York City |archive-date=July 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714153516/https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/city-of-parks/2022/07/13/residents-hope-to-preserve-starlight-park--an--oasis-in-the-bronx- |url-status=live }}</ref> Following a $41 million renovation, NYC Parks opened an {{convert|2.7|acre|m2|adj=on}} section of the park in April 2023.<ref name="Golata 2023">{{cite web |last=Golata |first=Justine |date=May 1, 2023 |title=NYC Parks Unveils A $41 Million Greenspace In The Bronx |url=https://secretnyc.co/starlight-park-the-bronx/ |access-date=May 4, 2023 |website=Secret NYC}}</ref><ref name="Starlight Park News 2023">{{cite web |date=April 28, 2023 |title=NYC Parks, NYC DDC, and Partners Officially Open $41 Million Major Greenspace Expansion in Starlight Park in the Bronx |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/starlight-park/pressrelease/22070 |access-date=May 4, 2023 |publisher=[[New York City Department of Parks and Recreation]]}}</ref>

== Current attractions ==
Current recreational facilities in Starlight Park include four [[baseball]] fields (two made of grass and two of asphalt), as well as five [[Draughts|checkers]] tables and eight [[handball]] courts.<ref name="NYCPks-Starlight" /> A [[soccer]] field overlaps with two of the baseball fields, and a [[basketball]] court and playground are located south of the 174th Street bridge over the park.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/permits/field-and-court/issued/X147A|title=Field and Court Usage Report for Starlight Park : NYC Parks|website=www.nycgovparks.org|access-date=2019-11-03|archive-date=July 21, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721233903/https://www.nycgovparks.org/permits/field-and-court/issued/X147A|url-status=live}}</ref> A seasonal canoe launch is located in the park as well.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/starlight-park/facilities/kayak|title=Starlight Park Kayak/Canoe Launch Sites : NYC Parks|website=www.nycgovparks.org|access-date=2019-11-03|archive-date=October 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004210937/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/starlight-park/facilities/kayak|url-status=live}}</ref> During the summer, the [[Bronx River Alliance]] operates a canoeing program called Community Paddle; the program charges a fee on Saturdays but is free on Fridays.<ref name="Yensi 2022" /> Plans for the park, announced in 2017, call for a waterfront greenway, as well as the opening of the parkland on the eastern bank of the Bronx River.<ref name="Bronx Times 2017" />

==Former attractions==

=== Rides ===
Starlight Park amusement park featured fireworks displays, a [[roller coaster]], a [[swimming pool]], and carnival games of skill and chance.<ref name="asphalt" /> The initial attractions were built for the Bronx International Exposition. The swimming pool was marketed as the world's largest saltwater pool, measuring {{Convert|300|by|350|ft|abbr=}} with a capacity of {{Convert|2,500,000|gal|L|abbr=|sp=us}}, and ranging from {{Convert|0|to|10|ft|abbr=}} deep. The pool contained diving boards and a wave pool machine at the deep end, as well as a {{convert|50|by|55|ft|m|adj=on}} beach with sand brought from [[Rockaway, Queens]].<ref name="Making of America Project Nature Publishing Group 1918 p. 524">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eWw5AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA524|title=Scientific American|author=Making of America Project|author2=Nature Publishing Group|publisher=Munn & Company|year=1918|series=Library of American civilization|pages=524–525, 536–538|access-date=October 2, 2019|issue=v. 118}}</ref>{{Rp|536}}<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 93">{{harvnb|Gottlock|Gottlock|2013|ps=.|p=93}}</ref> The fair also contained a scenic [[ridable miniature railway]] on the Bronx River, a "mountain" exhibit with a {{Convert|65|ft|m|-tall|abbr=|adj=mid}} waterfall, and a hotel nearby.<ref name="Making of America Project Nature Publishing Group 1918 p. 524" />{{Rp|536&ndash;537}} [[LaMarcus Adna Thompson]] built a [[wooden roller coaster]] at the site,<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 93" /> which featured a [[Dual-tracked roller coaster|dual track]].<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 972">{{harvnb|Gottlock|Gottlock|2013|ps=.|p=97}}</ref> The Eli Bridge Company's [[Ferris wheel]] from the [[Panama–California Exposition]] was brought over to the Bronx World's Fair.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 93" /> Other attractions included a bathing pavilion that could fit 4,500 people; a convention center; and 15 large pavilions, including Chinese and North Sea-themed pavilions, as well as those for fine arts, liberal arts, and American achievements.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 93" /><ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn83030214/1917-10-14/ed-1/?sp=1&st=gallery|title=The Bronx International Exhibition|date=October 14, 1917|work=New-York Tribune|pages=6–7|via=The Library of Congress|access-date=October 2, 2019}}</ref>

At the end of the 1918 Exposition, the "exhibition hall" became an [[ice rink]] and dance hall.<ref name="DeVillo 20152"/>{{Rp|150}} When the Exposition Hall was burned down in 1922, it was replaced with two smaller dance halls.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 99" /> By 1927, the park had installed Witching Waves, an undulating [[flat ride]].<ref name="Gottlock2 pp. 100-101" /> A [[Tilt-A-Whirl]], a scooter ride, a new Noah's Ark and a "Snap o' the Whip" ride were added in 1929 to draw patrons.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 104" /> Additions in 1931 included a [[miniature golf]] course on the site of Witching Waves, as well as a roller rink.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 105" />

=== Other attractions ===
[[File:USS Holland (SS-1) - Scientific American 1898.jpg|thumb|The  {{USS|Holland|SS-1|2}}, exhibited at Starlight Park from 1918 to 1932]]
One of the park's most popular attractions was the submarine {{USS|Holland|SS-1|2}}. After being constructed by [[Irish-American]] inventor [[John Philip Holland]] in 1888, the ''Holland'' became the first submarine commissioned by the [[United States Navy]]. She had been maintained by the navy at [[Norfolk, Virginia|Norfolk]], [[Virginia]], for training purposes until 1914, when she became a [[museum ship]] in Philadelphia and [[Atlantic City]], [[New Jersey]]. The submarine then moved to Starlight Park in 1918 and remained there until 1932, when she was disassembled for scrap as part of the entire park's demolition.<ref name="asphalt" />

The 15,000-seat [[New York Coliseum (1928)|Bronx Coliseum]] was also located in Starlight Park, and was opened in 1929.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 103" /><ref name=":3" /> It was the home field of the [[New York Giants (soccer)|New York Giants soccer team]], but also featured numerous other sporting events as well as circuses.<ref name="bronxbits" /> The Coliseum also held events when [[Madison Square Garden (1925)|Madison Square Garden]] in [[Manhattan]] was already hosting another event. The stadium was originally built for the 1926 [[Sesquicentennial Exposition]] in [[Philadelphia]], [[Pennsylvania]], and was transported to 177th Street and Devoe Avenue in 1928.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 104" /> It came to be called the New York Coliseum, which had no relation to the [[New York Coliseum|building with the same name]] that was later built at [[Columbus Circle]] in Manhattan.<ref name="bronxbits">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WeVTP3GyFH0C|title=The Bronx – In Bits and Pieces|last=Twomey|first=Bill|date=2007|publisher=Rooftop Publishing|isbn=978-1-600-08062-3|location=Bloomington, Indiana|pages=196–197|access-date=December 30, 2012|via=[[Google Books]]}}</ref>

=== Other structures ===
The amusement park was also home of the studios of [[radio station]] [[WKDM|WBNX]], which started broadcasting in 1926 and was known as "the official broadcasting station of the New York Coliseum".<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ACckCQAAQBAJ&pg=PA107|title=The airwaves of New York : illustrated histories of 156 am stations in the metropolitan area, 1921- 1996|last=Jaker|first=Bill|publisher=Mcfarland|year=2008|isbn=978-1-4766-0878-5|publication-place=Jefferson, N.C|page=107|oclc=908685721}}</ref> It was located at Starlight Park until 1932, when the park's partial closure forced the station to relocate.<ref name="Gottlock2 pp. 100-101">{{harvnb|Gottlock|Gottlock|2013|ps=.|pp=100&ndash;101}}</ref><ref name="beautiful">{{cite book|title=The Beautiful Bronx (1920-1950)|author=Ultan, Lloyd ; written in collaboration with the Bronx County Historical Society|date=1979|publisher=Arlington House Publishers|isbn=0-87000-439-5|location=New Rochelle, New York|page=34|type=print}}</ref>

== Events ==
The first summer music festival in Starlight Park was hosted in 1921 when the [[Russian Symphony Orchestra Society]] performed [[Richard Wagner|''Wagner'']] at the park.<ref name="Gottlock2 pp. 100-101" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1921/07/24/archives/music-festival-in-bronx-russian-symphony-orchestra-gives-first.html|title=MUSIC FESTIVAL IN BRONX.; Russian Symphony Orchestra Gives First Concert in Starlight Park.|date=1921-07-24|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-10-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=August 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180808104307/https://www.nytimes.com/1921/07/24/archives/music-festival-in-bronx-russian-symphony-orchestra-gives-first.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Starting in 1926, the park offered free 14-week-long programs of opera music in the summer, in an attempt to give the masses access to high culture at no cost.<ref name="bronxbits" /> The first of these operas, ''[[Rigoletto]]'', was performed in May 1926.<ref name="Gottlock2 pp. 100-101" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1926/05/25/archives/opera-in-starlight-park-rigoletto-to-open-the-summer-season-on.html|title=OPERA IN STARLIGHT PARK.; " Rigoletto" to Open the Summer Season on Saturday Night.|date=1926-05-25|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-10-16|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016181848/https://www.nytimes.com/1926/05/25/archives/opera-in-starlight-park-rigoletto-to-open-the-summer-season-on.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The shows were given in the open air until the Starlight Park Stadium was erected, after which performances were moved to the stadium.<ref name="bronxbits" /> On Saturday nights, [[Big Band Jazz|big-band jazz]] played for dancers on an outdoor dance floor, giving the park a feeling of "blue collar country club".<ref name="remembrances">{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=990CE4D6143DF930A2575BC0A963958260&scp=11&sq=%22starlight%20park%22&st=cse|title=Remembrances of a War's End – The Real Starlight Park|author=Dunford, Judith|date=August 13, 1995|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=December 30, 2012|format=letter to editor}}</ref>

Semiprofessional sports teams would compete at Starlight Park's baseball field, added in 1921.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 96" /> Events such as [[baseball]] and [[Association football|soccer]] games, [[boxing]] matches, [[horseshoe]] throwing, and [[track and field]] competitions also drew crowds to Starlight Park.<ref name="Gottlock2 pp. 100-101" /> One such match in October 1926 resulted in the death of boxer Joseph Geraghty; his opponent was later cleared of any wrongdoing.<ref name=":2" /> After the Coliseum opened in 1929, these events were moved to the stadium.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 104" />

Children were also able to join a club called the Kiddie Klub, which entitled the member to several designated free-admission days at numerous amusement parks in New York City. Prospective members had to clip three coupons from different newspapers in exchange for a membership pin.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 972" /> The first Kiddie Klub day on July 13, 1921, saw over 20,000 children.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 972" /><ref>{{cite news|title=20,000 Members of Kiddie Klub Merry at Outing|date=July 13, 1921|work=New York Evening World|pages=[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/37272612/ 1], [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/37272643/ 2]|via=newspapers.com {{open access}}}}</ref> The following year, there was a miscommunication about the Kiddie Klub event. On July 12, 1922, the Kiddie Klub free day had been held at [[Coney Island]]'s [[Luna Park (Coney Island, 1903)|Luna Park]], but about 50 children showed up at Starlight Park instead.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 98" /> The actual Kiddie Klub day at Starlight Park was held two weeks later.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 98" /><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/37272725/|title=Last Call for Starlight Park All Aboard for the Kiddie Klub|date=July 25, 1922|work=New York Evening World|access-date=October 16, 2019|page=12|via=newspapers.com {{open access}}}}</ref>

[[Vaudeville]] acts and [[high diving]] performances were other popular events hosted in Starlight Park.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 96" /> Toward the late 1920s, in the park's attempt to bring back patrons, more tawdry shows began performing at Starlight Park.<ref name="Gottlock2 p. 105" />{{-}}

== See also ==
{{Portal|New York City}}
*[[History of the Bronx]]
* [[List of amusement parks]]
* [[List of New York City parks]]

== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}

==Sources==
* {{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gdl2CQAAQBAJ |title=Lost Amusement Parks of New York City: Beyond Coney Island |last1=Gottlock |first1=Barbara |last2=Gottlock |first2=Wesley |publisher=Arcadia Publishing |year=2013 |isbn=978-1-62584-556-6 }}

==External links==
* {{cite web |title=Starlight Park Highlights : NYC Parks |website=New York City Department of Parks & Recreation |date=June 20, 1952 |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/starlight-park/history | access-date=August 7, 2018}}
*{{RCDB|11694|Starlight Amusement Park}}

{{Protected areas of New York City}}

[[Category:1918 establishments in New York City]]
[[Category:1932 disestablishments in New York City]]
[[Category:Amusement parks opened in 1918]]
[[Category:Amusement parks closed in 1932]]
[[Category:Defunct amusement parks in New York (state)]]
[[Category:Event venues established in 1918]]
[[Category:Parks in the Bronx]]
[[Category:World's fair sites in New York (state)]]
[[Category:West Farms, Bronx]]