Williamsbridge Oval Explained

Williamsbridge Oval Park
Photo Width:	300
Type:	Neighborhood Park
Location:	The Bronx, New York City, NY, US
Coords:	40.8775°N -73.8775°W
Created:	1934
Operator:	New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Embed: yes Williamsbridge Oval Park Coordinates: 40.8775°N -73.8775°W Architect: Aymar Embury II Nelson M. Wells; Gilmore David Clarke Architecture: Beaux Arts, Art Moderne Added: May 14, 2015 Refnum: 15000229^[1]

The Williamsbridge Oval is a park located in Norwood, Bronx, New York City. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.^[2]

History

The Williamsbridge Oval Park was built on the site of the Williamsbridge Reservoir after the reservoir was drained and the land transferred to the Parks Department in 1934.^[3] The park was funded, designed, and built by the Works Progress Administration under the supervision of the New York City Parks Department and was officially opened on September 11, 1937.^{[4] [5]}

Attractions

Williamsbridge Oval has multiple playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts, plus an athletic field, a 400m 4-lane running track, a dog run, playground spray showers, ornamental flower beds and walking paths shaded by trees.

The original 1930s recreation center was reopened in 2013 after extensive renovations.^{[6] [7]}

The park hosts community and NYC Parks sponsored events all year round.

In popular culture

• In Penny Marshall's film Awakenings (1990), Robin Williams' and Robert De Niro's characters are filmed taking a walk through the Williamsbridge Oval park.^[8]

External links

• New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Williamsbridge Oval Park Page
• New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center Page
• Friends of the Williamsbridge Oval
• Bronx New Deal - Williamsbridge Oval

Notes and References

1. Web site: National Register of Historic Places Listings. 2015-05-22. Weekly List of Actions Taken on Properties: 5/11/15 through 5/15/15 . National Park Service.
2. Web site: Weekly List of Actions Taken on Properties: 5/11/15 through 5/15/15. National Park Service. 13 September 2016.
3. Web site: Before They Were Parks . New York City Department of Parks and Recreation . 6 September 2015.
4. Web site: Williamsbridge Oval . New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. 7 September 2017.
5. Web site: New 20-Acre Playground Opened in Bronx; Moses and Lyons Dedicate It Before 2,000 . New York Times . 12 September 1937.
6. Web site: Parks Cuts The Ribbon On New Playgrounds And Basketball Courts At Williamsbridge Oval Park. New York City Department of Parks & Recreation. 13 September 2016.
7. Web site: Tuesday, December 3, 2013: Renovated Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center opens . New York Department of Parks and Recreation. 7 September 2017.
8. Web site: Awakenings Filming Locations . Internet Movie Database . 7 September 2015.