St. Mary's Park is the South Bronx's biggest green space and one of its oldest, and the beds and plantings that make it feel cared for are kept that way by volunteers rather than by budget. The Bronx is Blooming runs a gardeners' club here, and stewardship mornings are when that work happens — tools out, a specific section, a few hours. If you want to put a morning into a park that genuinely needs it and see the result the same day, this is the Bronx's clearest option.
What to expect
A volunteer crew working the park's garden beds and planted edges — weeding, mulching, tending young plants — with tools and instruction supplied. Sessions start early to stay ahead of the heat. The park's playground, courts, paths and the hill with its long views over Mott Haven all stay open around the group.
Good to know
- The 6 to Cypress Avenue or the 2 and 5 to Third Avenue-149th Street both leave you a short walk away
- Free volunteer session; gloves and tools are normally provided
- Closed-toe shoes and clothes you can get dirty in
- The park's high ground gives one of the best free views of the South Bronx — worth the climb after
- Contact The Bronx is Blooming ahead if you want to be counted in the crew
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Common questions
Who runs the stewardship days here?
The Bronx is Blooming, a Bronx nonprofit working on environmental stewardship, community building and youth leadership, which operates a gardeners' club at St. Mary's Park.
How big is St. Mary's Park?
It's the largest park in the South Bronx, covering the hill and grounds between Mott Haven and Melrose, with playgrounds, courts, a recreation center and planted areas.
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