City of New Rochelle Launches Multi-Phase Investment in Ward Acres Park
The City of New Rochelle today announced the launch of a comprehensive multi-phase investment in Ward Acres Park, marking the beginning of an ongoing effort to enhance, preserve, and improve one of the City’s most valued natural resources.
Guided by extensive community input and the Ward Acres Park Master Plan, this initiative reflects priorities outlined in the City’s 2026 Work Plan. The improvements will be carried out in phases over time, with an initial group of projects now underway and additional enhancements planned in the future.
This phase of work focuses on strengthening the overall park experience while preserving Ward Acres’ historic and environmental character, and is intended to help set a standard for similar revitalization efforts in other communities.
Initial projects currently scheduled for completion by Summer 2026 include:
• Enhanced Main Entrance at Broadfield Road: A redesigned primary entrance will feature a new park sign, native landscaping, and natural stone elements to create a more welcoming and visible gateway. Existing signage will be relocated. Trail access will remain open during construction.
• New Restroom and Storage Facility: A new building will be constructed near the former barn site along Quaker Ridge Road. Work will include site preparation and utility connections, which may result in temporary lane closures in the area.
• Restoration of Historic Stone Bridge: Critical repairs to the park’s historic stone bridge will begin this month, including installation of new coping and stainless steel flashing to ensure long-term structural integrity. Access in the immediate area may be limited during construction.
• Signalized Crosswalk on Broadfield Road: A new crosswalk will improve safety and accessibility between Ward Elementary School and the park, providing a safer connection for students, families, and visitors.
• ADA-Accessible Pathways: New flexible, porous pavement pathways will connect Broadfield Road to the Community Garden and the new restroom facility, enhancing accessibility throughout key areas of the park.
• Comprehensive Trail Signage System: A unified signage system will be introduced to improve navigation and enhance the visitor experience across the park’s extensive trail network.
“Ward Acres is one of its most actively used and deeply valued public spaces,” said City Manager Wilfredo Melendez. “This significant investment reflects a clear shift from vision to visible progress. Residents told us they wanted safer access, better connectivity, and improvements that respect the park’s natural character,and that input has helped shape the work now underway. From restoring historic features to building accessible pathways and improving key entry points, these capital projects are designed to make the park more welcoming and resilient. This is the first phase of a sustained commitment to ensuring Ward Acres continues to serve the community for generations.”
Ongoing improvements will be funded by a combination of City capital funds, New York State grants, the American Rescue Plan, and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) resources.
The City is committed to keeping residents, park users, and nearby neighbors informed throughout construction, including providing advance notice of any temporary disruptions and maintaining access wherever possible.
Ward Acres Park will remain open to the public throughout construction. Visitors are encouraged to use caution near active work zones. For more information visit newrochelleny.gov/wardacres.