Two Hours in Crotona Park

By Dr. Scheer

Crotona Park Indian Lake, Source: https://www.mkwla.com/

One of the best things about BHSEC is its proximity to Crotona Park, a beautiful, leafy environment spanning Fulton Avenue, Southern Boulevard, and the surrounding areas.  According to the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, Crotona Park was named after the Greek colony of Croton, known for its Olympic athletes, and has served the Bronx community since its purchase by the City in 1888.  Crotona Park is a local treasure, boasting a variety of tree species (28 in all) and a stunning 3.3-acre lake, which serves as home to a range of wildlife, including turtles, ducks, and fish. 

If you find yourself with an afternoon in Crotona Park, we suggest taking advantage of all that it has to offer. You could start out your afternoon with a bit of physical activity, jogging or strolling on its winding trails, playing on the swings (no one is too old for swings!), or getting a group of friends together for some casual pick-up basketball. If you prefer people watching, you can watch one of the many pick-up games, or observe families romping in the eleven playgrounds spread across the area. You might also grab a snack at the bodega on Boston Avenue or at one of the Food Trucks on the park’s edge. Bring your chips up to a bench and see how many species of trees you can spot. 

After running around and hanging out outside, duck into the wildlife center on the edge of Crotona Park’s lake and say hello and THANK YOU to our local park rangers. This incredible team keeps our park safe and clean. They also look out for the animals and plants that live there. If you are friendly and polite, the ranger on duty might even let you see the collection of taxidermied animals stashed away in the back of the center, and the terrariums full of stick bugs, turtles, spiders, and other kinds of creepy crawlies. 

Close out your afternoon at the outdoor amphitheater, a structure whose concept goes back to ancient times. This amphitheater isn’t that old, but it is a great place to test out some Ancient Greek and Roman acoustics. Try speaking from various points in the space and see how the sound amplifies and echoes! 

With so much to do in Crotona Park, two hours only scrapes the surface. Fortunately, this beautiful place is right next door and can provide peace and entertainment to everyone for the whole school year.

Crotona Park Amphitheater, Source: https://www.mkwla.com/knju