Trenont in the Bronx in Bronx County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Walter Gladwin Park
What was here before?
The rolling terrain of Tremont, named for three local hills—Fairmont, Mt. Eden and Mt. Hope—was once rural countryside and part of Westchester County. Later annexed to New York City, this property was long occupied by old Bronx Borough Hall, an impressive and ornate structure designed by renowned architect George B. Post.
How did this site become a park?
This site was acquired by the City as part of Crotona Park, one of the six original parks in the Bronx established in 1888. Old borough hall was built here in 1897. After World War I an adjacent parcel of Crotona Park was dubbed Victory Park, and a formal garden with paths radiating from a circular fountain embellished Borough Hall's setting. In 1899, a grand stairway was constructed along the steep slope connecting Borough Hall to bustling Third Avenue.
The new Borough Hall opened in 1935 at the Grand Concourse and 161st Street, and by 1964 the only office left at the old building was the marriage license bureau. Though landmarked in 1965, the building fell into disrepair and was demolished in 1969. The vacated property was landscaped as
this page online
Who is this park named for?
In 2020, as part of an NYC Parks initiative to expand the representation of African Americans honored in parks, this park was named for Walter H. Gladwin (1902-1988), the first Black elected governmental official in the Bronx. Born in Berbice, Guyana, he moved to the Bronx to live with an uncle after he was orphaned as a teenager. He graduated from City College in 1936 and New York Law School in 1941 and was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1942.
In 1943, Gladwin was appointed Deputy Collector of Internal Revenue for the Third District of New York, and in 1946 Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of New York. In the 1940s, Gladwin held many community and civic-oriented positions, including the vice-chairmanship of the Bronx Committee of the National Conference of Christians and Jews.
Gladwin became Assistant District Attorney in 1949. In 1953 he won a special election for the Seventh Assembly District, which encompassed the rapidly diversifying neighborhood of Morrisania where he lived and became the first Black assemblyman to represent The Bronx. His legislative priorities included combatting narcotics use among youth, improving housing for low-and middle-income constituents, strengthening civil rights guarantees and enforcement, and advocating for a state-sponsored summer camp program.
After redistricting, Gladwin represented the Sixth Assembly District until 1957, maintaining broad multi-ethnic and racial support among Morrisania's diverse low-and middle-income inhabitants for his tireless advocacy for measures to improve their lives.
In 1957, Gladwin was appointed Bronx County Civic Magistrate. During his years as a Criminal Court Judge, Gladwin remained highly engaged with the wider Bronx community. He served as president of the Bronx branch of the N.A.A.C.P. and director of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, and also held the highest position in the Bronx Borough Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
Gladwin retired in 1972 and moved to Highland Mills, New York. He died in 1988 in Goshen, New York.
Erected by NYC Parks. (Marker Number 301.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Charity & Public Work • Government & Politics • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the NYC Parks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1888.
Location. 40° 50.769′ N, 73° 53.594′ W. Marker is in Bronx, New York, in Bronx County. It is in Trenont. It is at the intersection of Arthur Avenue and East Tremont Avenue, on the right when traveling south on Arthur Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1928 Arthur Ave, Bronx NY 10457, 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: Prospect Playground (approx. ¼ mile away); Jonas Salk (approx. 0.4 miles away); Happy Land Social Club Fire Memorial (approx. half a mile away); Tommies: Tiny but Tough (approx. ¾ mile away); Look for the Skeleton (approx. ¾ mile away); Nyala: An African Antelope (approx. 0.8 miles away); The American Bison Society (approx. 0.8 miles away); To Make a Building Green (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bronx.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 22, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 22, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
