The name of the park originated from epic poem, The Song of Hiawatha (1855) by American Poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807 – 1882), for whom Longfellow Avenue is named. Its pronounced natural bedrock formation thus created the name the Rock Garden Park and Hiawatha Falls. The original area was a rat infested vacant lot that was an eye sore and health hazard in the community and became a dumping
ground for trash and construction debris. In addition, the vacant lot had multiple rock formations that made it very difficult for any building development. In the mid 80’s and early 90’s several government and private agencies and foundations determined the development of this site overwhelming. Soon the need to address the quality of life, safe, clean, off street play areas increased with residential rehabilitation as the “New South Bronx” developed. Residents worked together with the block association to create a new community environment. In 1999, The Crotona Park East community, led by resident activists, Dave Reid, Barbara Little, Ralph Porter and Oscar Morillo (from the Mid-Bronx Desperadoes) and Bob Dibble (USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service) had a vision of creating a community park. In 1994 North Longfellow Block Association entered into an agreement with Mid- Bronx Desperadoes to exchange an existing Green Thumb Garden area along Longfellow Ave to be used for housing for a portion of an unbuildable vacant lot across the street. The exchange blossomed into the Vision of the Rock Garden Park. The Urban Resources Partnership (URP) consist of six federal agencies and one state agency that provide technical and seed money to address environmental issues in underserved communities. URP selected the Rock Garden Park as a project because of the enthusiasm and commitment of the community to fulfill their vision. The Rock Garden Park project progressed as the NYC Department of Sanitation removed 6000 tons of debris from the site. Green Thumb/NYC Department of Parks and Recreation assisted in vision, initial designs, research, scope of work complete with specifications, and cost estimates. Trust for Public Land helped the community maneuver through the bureaucratic and political processes. Both the Borough President’s Office and the City Council provided financial support. The design of the park incorporated the challenging landscape and made use of the existing rock formation. The designed included a waterfall, colorful year round plant lined path that lend to a magnificent view of the Bronx cityscape from the trellised terrace lookout area which features stone walls and steel shading. It also includes a three-quarter basketball court and two playground areas provide for active recreation. Spray showers emerging from natural boulders and a flagpole area is complete with a large compass imbedded in the pavement. The success of the garden inspired the City of New York to permanently protect this site as a community green space in 1999. The Parks maintained recognition of the neighborhood’s dedication to the project and to the physical development of the area. The Rock Garden Park and Hiawatha Falls was the only park to be a recipient of the New York City Arts Commission Design Award in 1999 for Excellence in design and received the Special Recognition Award. http://www1.nyc.gov/site/designcommission/awards/past-awards/design-awards-17.page
