After sitting largely off-limits to the public since a retaining wall collapsed in 2017, Washington Heights’ historic Amelia Gorman Park just secured nearly $8 million to kickstart a massive structural revival.
Council Member Carmen De La Rosa spearheaded the funding, securing the crucial first third of a $20 million master plan to bring this vital neighborhood connector back to life.
The Fast Facts
- The Investment: $7.89 million gathered from expense and capital funding over recent fiscal years
- The Location: Bounded by Broadway to the west and Wadsworth Terrace to the east, between 188th and 190th Streets
- The Goal: Full rehabilitation and restoration of the park’s retaining walls, stairs, and public green spaces
- Total Project Cost: $20 million for the complete rebuild
Why Was Amelia Gorman Park Closed?
Originally gifted to the city in 1929 by the Webb family, the hillside green space served as a critical pedestrian shortcut and community hub for nearly a century.
In March 2017, a major retaining wall collapse forced the Parks Department to shutter the entire grounds, leaving only the upper plaza accessible to locals.
The highly anticipated capital repair project was originally slated to break ground in November 2019, but the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic halted progress entirely.
Because the total reconstruction requires a hefty $20 million price tag—far exceeding the typical $5 million capital discretionary funds allotted to Council Members for district upgrades—securing the cash required years of strategic budget allocations from De La Rosa.
What’s Next for the Neighborhood?
While this newly secured $8 million ensures heavy construction can finally begin, the community might not have to wait for the entire multi-year project to finish before enjoying the space again.
Council Member De La Rosa’s office is actively exploring safety measures that would allow for a phased reopening, returning usable portions of the historic park to local neighbors as construction progresses.