Concerns Grow Over Safety at South Bronx Parks

Residents are expressing alarm over the deteriorating conditions of tracks and athletic fields in the South Bronx. Reports have surfaced about treacherous holes and slippery surfaces, attributed to the reckless activities of local teenagers on dirt bikes, according to community members.

“It’s terrible,” stated soccer coach Naim Kaltovich, who highlighted a significant hole in the grass at Macombs Dam Park. He mentioned he discovered a syringe just moments before bringing his high school team onto the field.

Meanwhile, the Cardinal Hayes High School soccer team has abandoned their practices on the site, as their coaches deem it too hazardous. “It was devastating for our kids,” they remarked, noting that while they may not have the fancy stadiums like other schools do, playing near Yankee Stadium had been a point of pride.

There have been alarming incidents in the area, such as a collision in 2021 where a dirt bike hit a 5-year-old, resulting in significant injuries. Local residents are disheartened, noting that little has been done since. A representative from the Parks Department confirmed that no citations related to dirt biking had been issued at the location this year.

55-year-old Eli Ocasio expressed his concerns, remarking that the park is primarily for exercise. “Instead of riding scooters or dirt bikes, they should keep it on the streets,” he insisted. He urged for maintenance of the area for future generations.

Anna, a South Bronx resident who chose not to reveal her last name, described how the joyrides have created dangerously slippery conditions that affect pedestrians. “The kids are bored. There are no outlets for them,” she pointed out, emphasizing the park’s value as a training ground, particularly since it’s not as safe as it used to be.

Chantelle Jackson, a local representative, brought to light the broader issue surrounding the $35 million improvement project. She shared that the park suffers from poor management and insufficient funds for repairs. “There’s no money to fix the park,” she lamented, noting she has taken it upon herself to clean it up due to staff shortages.

“Dirt bikes are definitely an issue, but I don’t think they are the sole problem,” Jackson added cautiously.

Parks officials claimed maintenance and cleaning efforts occur daily at one of the system’s most popular locations. Since 2018, they have conducted numerous repairs, citing foundational issues stemming from it being built over a public parking area, which compromises the grass quality.

Looking forward, they plan to collaborate with the coaching staff at Hayes High School to address the field’s repairs internally.

Residents continue to voice other concerns, such as garbage and loud music, though these complaints often go underreported. Track runner Jonathan echoed this sentiment, mentioning he can hear dirt bikes revving from his apartment. He feels, however, that there are larger issues at play. “This feels trivial compared to a life lost to drugs on the street,” he noted.

“People live in poverty,” Jackson concluded, acknowledging that many residents simply lack the time or energy to address these ongoing problems.