Highbridge in the Bronx in Bronx County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Rev. T. Wendell Foster Park
What was here before?
A creek, called Metipathe by the Lenape, once ran through this land into the Harlem River after following a course along what are now River and Jerome Avenues. When European settlers arrived, the creek was sold to John Cromwell in 1670 and renamed Cromwell's Creek. It was filled in by 1910.
How did this site become a park?
The city acquired the land for this park on seven blocks to the east and west of Cromwell Avenue in 1924, followed by part of the Cromwell Avenue street bed in 1925. Four years later, East 162nd Street was moved eastward, expanding the acreage of Macombs Dam Park and cutting the acreage of this park.
This park was developed as a multi-use recreational facility that complements Macombs Dam Park to the south. It opened as a playground in 1932 and expanded over time. It was named Mullaly Park for John Mullaly, known as the father of the Bronx Park system, founding both the commission that established it and the city's first parks advocacy group, the New York Park Association.
In the late 1960s, new recreational facilities were built, including a wading pool, swimming pool,
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Since 2001, NYC Parks constructed two new playgrounds, two new mini soccer fields, and an athletic field with synthetic turf. In 2021, the recreation center was renovated with a new indoor basketball court, dance room, and library. Mullaly Park was officially renamed in 2022 due to Mullaly's promulgation of racist views as editor of the Metropolitan record.
Who is this park named for?
In 2021, NYC Parks announced its intent to rename Mullaly Park as part of the second phase of its Renaming Project, an initiative to expand the representation of African Americans honored in the parks system. This park is named for Reverend Wendell Foster (1924-2019), civil rights advocate and the first Black elected city official in the Bronx.
Born Windell Foster in Elba, Alabama, he was orphanage at age 12 and lived with his oldest brother in Birmingham. He attended local schools and graduated
In 1959 Foster settled in Springfield, Massachusetts, and served as president of the local chapter of the NAACP. Foster ministered at the Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Harem in 1962 but left to found the Christ Church. In 1963 he settled with his family in the Highbridge section of the Bronx. Facing discrimination and concerned about crime and quality of life in his community, in the 1970s Fostered entered politics as an extension of his ministry.
In 1978, Foster became the first Black person to be elected to a city government position in Bronx County. As the Councilman of the 9th, and later 16th District, he championed low-income housing and served as longtime chair of the Parks
Erected by NYC Parks. (Marker Number 301.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Government & Politics • Parks & Recreational Areas • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, and the NYC Parks series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1670.
Location. 40° 49.917′ N, 73° 55.548′ W. Marker is in Bronx, New York, in Bronx County. It is in Highbridge. It is on Jerome Avenue north of East 164th Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1005 Jerome Avenue, Bronx NY 10452, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in New York City. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: "Pete" Sheehy (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Pope Benedict XVI Mass (about 700 feet away); The Stonewall Inn (about 800 feet away); Jackie Robinson (about 800 feet away); Nelson Mandela (about 800 feet away); Bernabé Williams Figueroa, Jr. (about 800 feet away); Mariano Rivera (about 800 feet away); Edward "Whitey" Ford (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bronx.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 18, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 563 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 18, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
