Creating a Park from a Parking Lot - Daylighting the Saw Mill River
Van der Donck park is the site of an ambitious project to develop a natural park around exposing a buried river. The Saw Mill River in downtown Yonkers was daylighted in 2012 from existing beneath a parking lot in Larkin Plaza into a river view park complete with a wide walking path along the river. The nearby metro, shops, and restaurant options make it a great place to stop by. The park has also restored habitats for muskrats, egrets and American eels.
Van der Donck park is named after one of the founders of New Amsterdam. Much like its namesake, the Saw Mill River in the park was foundational to the establishment of New York, historically bringing in settlers and being a source of energy for mills and industry.
Where the Van der Donck park now stands used to be a rundown parking lot. In a process termed "daylighting" the park was excavated, revealing the powerful and vibrant Saw Mill River, in the middle of downtown Yonkers before it flows out to the Hudson. The park is close to the Yonkers train station and library, making it a convenient park for people to stop at and enjoy a little nature as they go about their day.
While it may be in the middle of the city, the river is full of life with large carp, waterbirds, and other aquatic and bird life using the area. It is a reminder of how integrated our lives are with nature. People enjoy walking the interpretive trail, reading a book while waiting for the train, or enjoying a few minutes watching the wildlife as they swim and fly. There is also a sculpture commemorating mothers who have lost children to war, the emotional Gold Star Mothers Monument.
Where the Van der Donck park now stands used to be a rundown parking lot. In a process termed "daylighting" the park was excavated, revealing the powerful and vibrant Saw Mill River, in the middle of downtown Yonkers before it flows out to the Hudson. The park is close to the Yonkers train station and library, making it a convenient park for people to stop at and enjoy a little nature as they go about their day.
While it may be in the middle of the city, the river is full of life with large carp, waterbirds, and other aquatic and bird life using the area. It is a reminder of how integrated our lives are with nature. People enjoy walking the interpretive trail, reading a book while waiting for the train, or enjoying a few minutes watching the wildlife as they swim and fly. There is also a sculpture commemorating mothers who have lost children to war, the emotional Gold Star Mothers Monument.
Van der Donck Park - by CmdrDan, CC BY-SA 4.0
|
Main Street Station from across Van Der Donck park
|
Gold Star Mothers Monument - by CmdrDan, CC BY-SA 4.0
|