Macombs Dam Park in the South Bronx is becoming a safety hotspot as teenagers ride dirt bikes on the looped track that locals use for jogging, soccer and recreation. The reckless activity has left deep holes in the turf, made the surface slick and even pushed the park’s clean‑up budget to the brink of collapse.
“I’m scared to run there,” said long‑time resident Eli Ocasio, who has come to the track for more than 10 years. “It’s meant to be a place for people to exercise, not a dirt‑bike racetrack.” Ocasio and his son Gian, both fitness enthusiasts, have watched the once‑renovated field deteriorate after a 2010 upgrade tied to the new Yankee Stadium across the street.
The damage is not just cosmetic. During a 2021 incident a 5‑year‑old was nearly hit by a rogue dirt‑bike rider and taken to the hospital with nose and mouth injuries. Since then, local teams have stopped practicing. Cardinal Hayes High School’s football coach, C.J. O’Neill, noted that his team now trains elsewhere because of safety concerns. “We used to be proud to play next to Yankee Stadium,” O’Neill said.
Sporting coaches and community members have also reported finding syringes on the turf moments before high school practices, heightening worry over drug use and general park safety.
Despite the mounting crisis, a Parks department spokesperson confirmed that no fines or summonses for dirt‑bike riding have been issued this year. “We do routine cleaning and repair,” the rep said. “This is one of our city’s most heavily used fields, and we’ve had to do several repairs since 2018.” The field’s turf sits on the roof of a public parking garage, which the rep says contributes to the problematic surface integrity.
Assemblywoman Chantel Jackson, who represents the South Bronx, called the situation a symptom of a wider problem: a $35 million, city‑funded park that has fallen into disrepair a few years after its renovation.
“The track hasn’t been managed properly, and there’s no money to fix it,” Jackson said. “I’ve even taken it on myself to clean the park because there isn’t a sanitation crew assigned.” She added that the park’s worsening condition is not the only concern. The 311 system logs only a handful of complaints— litter, loud music, graffiti, and reports of “unsafe use of the park” – but many incidents go unreported, slipping under the radar.
When asked about the broader picture, Jackson highlighted that many teens lack safe outlets for their energy. “Kids are bored and don’t have a place to channel that— that’s why they come out here in the afternoons when the track turns into a dirt‑bike racetrack,” she said. “It’s a local problem, but it’s part of a larger issue of underinvestment in our parks.”
City officials are exploring a capital project to repair the roof under the field and restore the turf. In the meantime, residents like Ana, a city worker and park regular, are planning to avoid the track between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., when 15‑ to 24‑year‑olds most frequently ride.
The situation at Macombs Dam Park reflects growing concerns among New York City residents about park safety, youth recreation and municipal maintenance. Local voices continue to push for immediate repairs and stricter enforcement to protect the track for future generations.
Source: New York Post
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
