Randall’s Island Connector is Officially Open Providing a Direct, Safe, & Easy Access to 330 Acres of Parkland to The Bronx

The Bronx may be the greenest borough, with almost 25% of its land dedicated to parks, but residents in The South Bronx do not have equitable access to green spaces. Now that The Randall’s Island Connector—after 2 decades of wrangling with city agencies and community advocacy groups—area residents and the rest of the borough have access to an additional 330 acres of parkland.

The $6 million connector, which only stretches for a quarter mile under the Amtrak line from 132nd Street to Bronx Kill, is now paved with bike and pedestrian lanes so that Bronxites can enjoy the wide open spaces which Randall’s Island provides along with the many playing fields.

As a child, I fondly remembering the arduous treks one had to make to get there, something Congressman Serrano also recalled at today’s ribbon cutting ceremony from his past.

Cyclists and pedestrians can now get to the island directly and quickly without having to go through the long route over the Triboro Bridge (sorry, it’s still hard for me to call it the RFK Bridge).

During the ribbon cutting ceremony, the most humbling moment for Bronxites came when New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito acknowledged, not just the government agencies and officials involved in making this happen, but the community advocates who have fought the long fight for this day to arrive.

Councilwoman Maria del Carmen Arroyo, who also has provided support for the project echoed the Mark-Viverito’s sentiments in saying, “This is for those behind the cameras, the people back there,” referring to the well over a hundred community residents, activists, cyclists, and the everyday Bronxite who came out to enjoy this day.

It’s not everyday that our elected officials go out of their way to thank the community for their hard work and recognize the grassroots efforts that made such things as the Randall’s Island Connector happen and to them they have our sincerest gratitude.

Now let’s get out there and have some fun!

Bike routes throughout parts of The Bronx leading to Randall’s Island.

Hundreds of Bronxites came out today to celebrate the opening of The Randall’s Island Connector which provides South Bronx residents to over 300 acres of parkland on the island.

The views on the small bridge over the Bronx Kill are beautiful.

Kayakers from Friends of Brook Park enjoyed the day by raising awareness of our natural resources.

From residents to activists, to community leaders, it was a day for all to enjoy.

It’s amazing what 1/4 mile and a $6 million project can connect to with the vastness of Randall’s Island 330 acres.

Children from The Bronx were eager running about, some for the first time on Randall’s Island.

This is what it’s all about. Many of advocates and community activists, fight for this right here; our youth.

I met these bikers at Neighborhood Bicycle in Melrose on Courtlandt Avenue and 150th Street as I was getting my bike ready for the trip down to the connector. Then I reconnected with the group on the island. When we were at the bike shop, it was packed with children and adults alike all eager to get on their bikes and head on down to explore a new area for them to have fun.

Hundreds of folks turned out for the grand opening of the Randall’s Island Connector despite the chilly weather.