Starlight Park Bronx: A Guide to the Waterfront Park

Starlight Park Bronx is a NYC Parks waterfront park along the Bronx River. Westchester Avenue marks its southern boundary, East 174th Street its northern edge, Sheridan Boulevard its western side and Bronx River Avenue its eastern side. The park covers 17.26 acres and includes athletic facilities and a playground.

The park’s development took place in phases. Phase 1 ended in 2013, and the park fully opened in April 2023 after Phase 2 converted 2.7 acres of formerly paved industrial property and closed a gap in the Bronx River Greenway.

Its mix of river access, recreation and greenway paths sets it apart from other parks in the Bronx, including Soundview Park. The Bronx Zoo is another nearby outing to consider if you’re planning a separate park-area visit; see this Bronx Zoo visit guide.

Flat, paved paths run through the park beside the river, making a walk along the water a straightforward way to see the landscape. Starlight Park also has trails, ball fields, playgrounds and river access. The Bronx River House is another park feature, though no regular schedule for activities is specified here.

The Bronx River Greenway runs through the park, linking this waterfront setting to a broader route. If you plan to paddle, note two landmarks: the blue steel East 174th Street Bridge marks the park’s northern boundary for paddlers, while a concrete low-head dam, or weir, protrudes from the water at the southern end at low tide.

The playground is at Sheridan Expressway and the Bronx River, south of the East 174th Street Bridge. NYC Parks marks it wheelchair accessible and lists an accessible public restroom. The park also has restrooms and parking.

The Starlight Park Dog Run is on Bronx River Avenue between East 172nd Street and Jennings Street, and NYC Parks identifies it as accessible. Dogs must be leashed outside designated off-leash areas and dog runs.

Starlight Park is about a 17-minute walk from Sheridan Hotel. For transit, nearby options include the 2, 5 and 6 subway lines. An MTA neighborhood map also places the park near the Bx11, Bx19, Bx21 and Bx27 bus routes, and the 2 train at West Farms Square–East Tremont Avenue.

For current park information, check the official site before you go, including NYC Parks’ details on playground hours.

For a short visit, spend time on the paved riverfront paths and around the playground or ball fields. If you have longer, follow the Bronx River Greenway through the park and take in the river setting along the way. Keep the low-head dam in mind if you’re near the water at the park’s southern end.

Starlight Park can also be one stop in a broader look at Bronx waterfront parks. Its Greenway connection gives you a way to pair a park visit with a longer riverside walk, while the park’s playground and athletic facilities offer options for spending time without leaving the grounds.

Staying at Sheridan Hotel puts this waterfront park within walking distance.