Although Robert Moses created Orchard Beach by destroying LeRoy’s Bay in Pelham Bay Park by filling in 1/3 of the bay with landfill and sand from Sandy Hook in Jersey to create the actual beach, he nevertheless created a gem we love and call The Bronx Riviera.
Now, after decades of neglect, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr announced during his State of The Bronx today that his office is committing $10 million for the restoration of the landmarked Orchard Beach Pavilion, an Art Deco masterpiece.
Orchard Beach has received new handball basketball courts along with other upgrades throughout the years but it was this one key component that had not received the care worthy of a landmark.
The timing of this gift couldn’t be better as Orchard Beach celebrates its 80th anniversary this year.
During the creation of the beach, Mayor Fiorello Laguardia moved into Bartow Pell Mansion and claimed it was to escape the brutal heat but historians at the mansion say that rumor has to that it was to keep an eye on Moses.
Personally, I can’t wait to see this project completed making The Bronx Riviera whole once again.
