Sheridan Triangle

Sheridan Triangle, located at David Sheridan Plaza in the Bronx, NY 10471, USA, is a unique and compact green space that serves as a subtle yet significant part of the urban landscape. While some may perceive it as merely a patch of grass at a road intersection, its official designation as a park by NYC Parks, and its historical context, elevate its importance within the community. Situated at the convergence of Mosholu Avenue, Broadway, and David Sheridan Plaza, this small triangle, approximately ten feet by twenty feet, offers a momentary glimpse of nature amidst the bustling thoroughfares of the Riverdale neighborhood.

The park is named in honor of David Sheridan, a member of a prominent Riverdale family who lost his life in World War II. Sheridan enlisted in the United States Army in 1940, rising to the rank of Second Lieutenant before being killed in action on the Rhine River in 1945. The dedication of this small triangle on June 25, 1945, serves as a lasting memorial to his sacrifice and a connection to the area's history. The land itself was officially condemned as a public place by the City of New York on July 17, 1911, and subsequently landscaped by the Parks Department into the triangular green space it is today. Its historical roots date back even further, with the land unofficially mapped as parkland since May 2, 1877.

As a Scenic Spot, Sheridan Triangle, while modest in size, contributes to the overall green infrastructure of the Bronx. Its environment is characterized by its urban setting, providing a small respite of greenery in a densely populated area. Although it might not boast extensive trails or elaborate recreational facilities, its presence is vital for maintaining a sense of natural balance and offering visual relief for local users. The surrounding area, Riverdale, is a thriving, affluent neighborhood known for its suburban feel despite being traversed by busy roads like Riverdale Avenue. The park's location also places it directly across the street from the much larger and historically significant Van Cortlandt Park, which encompasses 1,122 acres and offers a vast array of recreational opportunities.

The significance of Sheridan Triangle extends beyond its immediate boundaries, as it is implicitly connected to the larger efforts of greening the Bronx and improving access to natural spaces. The ongoing initiatives to transform the Sheridan Expressway corridor into a boulevard, for instance, aim to reconnect communities long divided by the highway and link them to new parks and the Bronx River waterfront. While Sheridan Triangle itself is not a direct part of the Bronx River Greenway, it exists within a broader vision of creating more accessible and integrated green spaces throughout the borough. The efforts to remediate brownfield sites and support ecological restoration within the "Toxic Triangle" area, formed by the intersection of major expressways, highlight the community's commitment to environmental justice and the creation of eco-neighborhoods.

Regarding services, Sheridan Triangle, as a small public park, primarily offers the fundamental service of providing open green space for passive enjoyment. It is a place where one might pause, take a breath, and appreciate a touch of nature in their daily routine. Unlike larger parks, it does not feature amenities such as playgrounds, sports courts, or dedicated visitor centers. However, its very existence as a publicly accessible green patch contributes to the well-being of the local community by offering a visual amenity and a small natural element in the urban fabric. Its maintenance falls under the purview of NYC Parks, ensuring its continued upkeep as a public space.

The features of Sheridan Triangle are defined by its triangular shape and its grassy surface, bordered by sidewalks and roadways. It is a testament to the fact that even small pockets of green can be recognized and maintained as parks. While it may not be a destination for extended leisure, its strategic location at a road intersection makes it a recognizable landmark for residents and commuters in the Riverdale area. Its proximity to other significant green spaces like Van Cortlandt Park means that visitors to the area have access to a wide spectrum of park experiences, from the intimate scale of Sheridan Triangle to the expansive offerings of Van Cortlandt Park, which includes facilities for football, baseball, softball, soccer, cricket, tennis, golf, swimming, horseback riding, running, and hiking.

In terms of promotional information, Sheridan Triangle is primarily promoted through its inclusion in the NYC Parks system's official listings and maps. Its historical narrative, particularly its dedication to David Sheridan, adds a layer of cultural and historical significance. For local users, its appeal lies in its immediate accessibility as a piece of managed greenery in their neighborhood. While there aren't specific ongoing commercial promotions for Sheridan Triangle itself, its presence contributes to the overall desirability of the Riverdale area, which is known for its blend of suburban tranquility and urban connectivity. Nearby residential properties, such as those in Sheridan Plaza, often highlight their proximity to "lively parks" as a selling point, indirectly promoting the value of green spaces like Sheridan Triangle. The continuous efforts by community organizations and city agencies to enhance and connect green spaces in the Bronx, such as the Bronx River Greenway project, underscore the increasing recognition of even small parks like Sheridan Triangle as vital components of a healthier and more sustainable urban environment. The park's telephone contact for general inquiries regarding NYC Parks is (212) 639-9675.

Sheridan Triangle

David Sheridan Plaza, Bronx, NY 10471, USA