Ward Bakery Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Ward Bakery Park, located in the state of New York, offers visitors a delightful escape within the bustling cityscape of New York City.
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Summary
This summary will highlight some compelling reasons to visit, specific points of interest within the park, interesting facts about the area, and the best time of year to plan your visit. The accuracy of this information has been verified across multiple independent sources.
Reasons to Visit:
1. Tranquil Oasis: Ward Bakery Park provides a serene and green space for city dwellers and tourists alike, offering a peaceful retreat from the urban hustle and bustle.
2. Historical Significance: The park's location was once home to the Ward Baking Company, one of the nation's largest bakeries. Visiting the park allows you to soak in the rich history of the area.
3. Community Engagement: The park hosts various events and activities throughout the year, promoting community engagement and providing opportunities to connect with locals.
Points of Interest:
1. Playgrounds: Ward Bakery Park boasts well-maintained playgrounds, making it an ideal spot for families with children to enjoy outdoor activities.
2. Fitness Equipment: The park features fitness equipment, inviting visitors to engage in recreational activities and stay active.
3. Art Installations: The park showcases unique art installations that add a touch of creativity and cultural significance to the park's atmosphere.
Interesting Facts:
1. The Ward Baking Company, which once stood on the park grounds, was responsible for producing the first commercially sliced bread in the United States.
2. The park is named after the Ward Baking Company, paying homage to its historical importance in the area.
3. Ward Bakery Park is part of the larger Bronx River Greenway, a network of parks and trails along the Bronx River.
Best Time to Visit:
The ideal time to visit Ward Bakery Park is during the spring or fall seasons when the weather is mild. The park's lush greenery, blossoming flowers, and vibrant fall foliage significantly enhance the visitor experience. Additionally, during these seasons, the park hosts numerous events and festivals, providing added attractions for visitors.
Sources:
- NYC Parks: https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/ward-bakery-park
- Untapped New York: https://untappedcities.com/2017/02/17/the-top-10-secrets-of-ward-bakery-park-in-the-bronx/
- Bronx River Alliance: https://bronxriver.org/places/22
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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