“Norwood was once home to mainly those of Jewish, Irish, and Italian descent. Today it’s one of the city’s most diverse neighborhoods. All nationalities, races, ages, cultures, and religions come to Oval Park. To play, to socialize, to exercise, to relax; for romance, for picnics, and for special events. I believe that it’s one of the best utilized spaces in the whole city, every nook and cranny is used… except the bocce court! Everybody gets along, everybody watches out for everybody else.” New York-based Research Associate Frank da Cruz calls upon us to properly commemorate Oval Park, a WPA project in the Bronx that turns 80 this summer. Read more about the park’s history, the role it continues to hold in the community, and the importance of marking this site for posterity in his opinion piece for the Norwood News.
The anniversary was indeed acknowledged in a lively event held on September 9, 2017; here is a report and photo gallery:
https://kermitproject.org/bronx/ovalpark80/