A vacant and forgotten lot on the waterfront in the South Bronx had been transformed into a space to barbecue, play and enjoy the outdoors.

A ribbon cutting Monday officially marked the opening of this 2.8-acre extension to Mill Pond Park.

It has a new playground and a spray shower so kids can beat the heat. There is also an adult fitness area and new barbecue pits.

"We know that public parks are so important to the well-being of our city – providing environmental, social and health benefits through our shared green space," said Sue Donoghue, NYC Parks commissioner.

NYC Parks officials said one of the big highlights of the park extension is the waterfront esplanade where parkgoers can walk and run while taking in water views.

This $25.5 million project is part of a $194 million infrastructure investment to transform the long vacant South Bronx waterfront.

The new outdoor space sits next to the Bronxpoint mixed use building that opened last October.