Current and Upcoming Events

Please join Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue, Bronx and Manhattan elected officials, community leaders, school groups, and partner organizations to celebrate the 175th Anniversary of NYC's oldest standing bridge, the historic High Bridge!

Opened in 1848 as part of the 41-mile Old Croton Aqueduct, the bridge was deemed an engineering marvel, enabling the delivery of clean water to NYC, catalyzing its development and expansion! The Old Croton Aqueduct is a National Historic Landmark.

A Bronx contingent and a Manhattan contingent will process from their respective ends of the bridge (starting at 10 a.m. sharp!) to meet in the middle for a ceremonial celebration of our beloved bridge's big birthday!

Following the ceremony, the Urban Park Rangers will be giving tours of the historic Water Tower, NYC DEP will be giving tours of the Manhattan Gatehouse, Morris-Jumel Mansion, Bronx Children's Museum, Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct and other institutions and community organizations will be offering activities as well.

We hope you can join us in celebrating our iconic bridge that unites the communities of Bronx and Manhattan and beyond!

Bronx Entrance: University Ave and 170th Street Manhattan Entrance: West 174th Street and Amsterdam, take stairs down to bridge level
rsvp: ollie.demeio@parks.nyc.gov for accessibility information contact before June 2nd: 332.268.0339

EVERYONE WELCOME - for all or part of the time!

• Clean up litter
• Help with the maintenance of the OCA community pollinator garden
• Train with an expert from the Lower Hudson Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management to recognize the Spotted Lanternfly and to effectively remove this invasive species without the use of chemicals.
• Learn to identify non-native invasive plants and lop, pull, and dig them up

Meeting at: Irvington municipal parking lot off Main Street in Irvington, NY

Work area: On the Old Croton Aqueduct in Irvington. There will be two groups - one working south of Main Street and one north of Main Street.

Perks: Cleaner OCA. Helping protect biodiversity by removing non-native invasive plants; freeing trees of invasive vines so that they can breathe and keep doing the critical work of capturing carbon dioxide; get some fresh air!

Bring: Reusable gloves, loppers, or clippers if possible. We recommend wearing long pants and a long-sleeve shirt.

Organized by the Irvington Green Policy Task Force in collaboration with the Village of Irvington, the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Pollinator Pathways Project, and The Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct.
Contact us with questions by e-mail at irvingtongptf@gmail.com

Every first Sunday and 3rd Saturday, the Urban Park Rangers conduct tours of the Highbridge Water Tower from 1pm to 3pm, no reservation required.

Highbridge Park | Water Tower Terrace @ W. 174 & Amsterdam

Free, easy, 2-hour tour. Meet at the benches in front (on the south side) of the Joseph Caputo Center, which is located at 95 Broadway, Ossining, NY 10562, just west of Rte. 9/Highland Ave. at the junction of Croton Ave. (Rte. 133) (from Metro-North Ossining Train Station by taxi or 15-minute uphill walk). (Parking lots nearby) After a brief walk, descend into the Weir in Ossining and explore the original 1842 brick water tunnel and learn its history.

Required: pre-registration (limited number).

Walk will be rescheduled if weather does not cooperate.

Bring the family by the Keeper’s House for another of our Movies on the Trail kids series!

All movies are shown on the east lawn of the Keeper’s house and are free of charge!

Patrons are encouraged to bring their own refreshments and a chair or blanket to lie on.

Free | Ages: All Ages

Every first Sunday and 3rd Saturday, the Urban Park Rangers conduct tours of the Highbridge Water Tower from 1pm to 3pm, no reservation required.

Highbridge Park | Water Tower Terrace @ W. 174 & Amsterdam

Free, easy, open-air, walk beginning in front of the Sugar Hill Children’s Museum of Art & Storytelling, 898 St. Nicholas Ave (at W. l55th St) in Manhattan and ending at the Manhattan (western) end of the High Bridge near W. 174th Street & Amsterdam Ave.

We will walk to the High Bridge along the Aqueduct trail, learning history along the way, adding an archeological focus. Take in panoramic views of the Harlem River, The Bronx and Manhattan. Marvel at the engineering feat completed in 1848. Learn about the origin of NYC’s water system. After touring the High Bridge, you may wish to take an optional NYC public tour of the High Bridge Water Tower at the Manhattan end of the High Bridge.

Bring water & snacks & wear sturdy shoes.

Required: pre-registration. Walk may be rescheduled if weather does not cooperate.

Free, easy, 2 miles/2 hours (total) loop hike north along the Aqueduct and atop the beautiful Croton Dam. Meet near the restrooms at the rear (south end) of the parking lot at Croton Gorge Park, Rte. 129, Cortlandt, NY. 10567, GPS Coordinates: 41°13′ 20.46” N -73°51′12.59” W. The leader of the hike will discuss the history and construction of the Old Croton Aqueduct and the features of the Croton Dam, the trailhead of the Old Croton Aqueduct Trail. The Aqueduct was completed in 1842 to supply fresh water to a thirsty New York City.

(From Metro-North Hudson Line Croton-Harmon Train Station: 15-minute taxi.)

Required: pre-registration (limited number)

Walk may be rescheduled if weather does not cooperate.

Note: There is a fee of $10/car to enter the park.