Horseshit Beach (Orchard Beach)
Orchard Beach in the Bronx was opened by Parks Commissioner Robert Moses in the 1930s; it was so grand that it was called “the Riviera of New York”/“Bronx Riviera.” The beach soon fell into disrepair and was known for its unclean water. The nickname “Horseshit Beach”—similar to “Orchard Beach” if you say them both quickly—was popular by at least the 1950s.
Spanish speakers in the Bronx hae called Orchard Beach “Chocha Beach” (“chocha” means vagina) after the beach’s smells and sights. “Chocha Beach” became popular by the 1990s; the potentially offensive term is so familiar that it’s used as an endearment.
NYC Parks
Orchard Beach and Promenade
On Long Island Sound in Pelham Bay Park
(718) 885-2275
Orchard Beach, Bronx’s sole public beach, was proclaimed “The Riviera of New York” when it was created in the 1930s. The 115-acre, 1.1-mile-long beach contains a hexagonal-block promenade, a central pavilion, snack bars, food and souvenir carts, two playgrounds, two picnic areas, a large parking lot, and 26 courts for basketball, volleyball, and handball. Changing areas and showers are available.
Wikipedia: Pelham Bay Park
Orchard Beach
Orchard Beach, a public beach, is part of Pelham Bay Park. Sometimes called the Bronx Riviera, the 115-acre (0.47 km2), 1.1-mile (1.8 km)-long park consists of a 13-section sandy beach, a hexagonal-block promenade, a central pavilion with food stores and specialty shops, two playgrounds, two picnic areas, a large parking lot, and 26 courts for basketball, volleyball, and handball. It is operated by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and is most recognized for its unique crescent shape and beautiful view of City Island, Bronx.
Google Books
Sleeping Arrangements
By Laura Cunningham
New York, NY: Knopf: Distributed by Random House
1989
Pg. 129:
In the summer we go to the city beaches——including the notorious Orchard Beach (known as Horseshit Beach for obvious reasons: the waterfront is crowded with mounted police, who gallop among the disorderly swimmers to “keep the peace”).
Google Books
The Real Guide: New York
By Martin Dunford and Jack Holland
New York, NY: Prentice Hall
1989
Pg. 25:
Orchard Beach
Lovingly known as “Horseshit Beach” — and in any case more difficult to get to than the rest; 855-1828.
Google Books
My Sense of Silence:
Memoirs of a Childhood with Deafness
By Lennard J. Davis
Urbana, IL: University of Illinois Press
2000
Pp. 39-40:
Orchard Beach—“Horse Shit Beach,” as we kids jocularly called it— must have been attractive at one time. By the 1950s it bore all the hallmarks of institutions for the working classes.
Google Groups: alt.culture.us.1970s
OT:Red and Blue States
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7/15/05
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As far as Orchard Beach, I’ve heard it referred to by Bronx locals as “Horseshit Beach.”
Twitter
JOB
@JuannyToots
http://twitpic.com/1e4csk - Bike ride to Orchard Beach. AKA Horseshit Beach. AKA Chocha Beach. It’s really not THAT bad.
3:17 PM - 8 Apr 2010
Twitter
DJ_3nigma
@DeeJay_3nigma
shout out to everyone going to chocha beach or as i know it, horseshit beach.
8:29 AM - 21 Jun 2012
Twitter
W.T.
@NYCWT
There is a beach called “Horseshit Beach” in the Bronx. It is also lovingly called “Chocha Beach” by Ricans.
12:54 PM - 8 May 2013
Gothamist
Photos: Bronx Beach Style From One Of NYC’s Dirtiest Beaches
BY JEN CARLSON IN ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ON JUN 27, 2013 1:51 PM
(...)
So in that spirit, we’re going to LA LA LA ignore all of that, and take a look at a crowded Orchard Beach, which used to be referred to as the Bronx Riviera, and has more recently been dubbed “Horse Shit Beach” by locals.
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COMMENTS
“Tim Osman”
Back in the 50s it was horseshit beach, at least according to my father
Little Worm
My father called it horseshit beach when he was growing up in the Pelhams in the 20’s.
1World!Family.me
Orchard Beach: The Bronx Riviera by Wayne Lawrence
September 5, 2013 in Profiles, TALD
(...)
For the families who have called this scarred landscape home, Orchard Beach, the only beach in the borough, was and remains a treasured respite from the sweltering confines of the concrete jungle. Built in the 1930s by urban planner Robert Moses, the beach carries the stigma as being one of the worst in New York and is commonly known as Horseshit Beach or Chocha Beach.”