Kingsbridge Heights-Van Cortlandt Village

Understanding Kingsbridge Heights-Van Cortlandt Village

Jerome Park Racetrack opened in the nineteenth century and hosted the early Belmont Stakes. The city later replaced the racetrack with a reservoir for the New Croton Aqueduct. The surviving park names preserve both stories.

An unfinished residence became the Van Cortlandt branch library. For its 2019 conversion project, Andrew Berman Architect added reading and gathering spaces and raised part of the roof to bring daylight into a reading room.

Places to explore

• Jerome Park

  Beside the reservoir and the educational campuses

  Look at the reservoir from public parkland and streets. The historic stone-walled water facility is the subject of the stop; this page does not establish access inside its security perimeter.

• Fort Independence Playground

  Nearby, in the Bedford Park map area beside Jerome Park Reservoir

  The playground name recalls Revolutionary defenses in the Kingsbridge area. Read the historical setting without expecting a standing fort or military museum.

• St James Park

  Nearby, toward Jerome Avenue and East 193rd Street

  The park grew from formerly marshy land and takes its name from the nearby church. Choose its outdoor courts or play space; recreation-center entry and programs are separate checks.

• Van Cortlandt Library

  3882 Cannon Place

  This branch adds a reading or study option to a neighborhood visit. Bronx Community Board 8 lists its local monthly calendar. Check NYPL for current opening times and programs before going.