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Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park: An Urban Oasis Above the Hudson

Experience recreation with panoramic views at this innovative park built atop a wastewater treatment plant in West Harlem, New York City.

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Rising 69 feet above the Hudson River, Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park offers a unique recreational experience atop a wastewater treatment plant. This innovative 28-acre park features diverse facilities, including an Olympic-size pool, skating rink, cultural theater, and athletic complex, providing a vibrant community space with stunning views of the Hudson River, the Palisades, and the George Washington Bridge.

A brief summary to Riverbank State Park

  • Monday 6 am-11 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-11 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-11 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-11 pm
  • Friday 6 am-11 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-11 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-11 pm

Local tips

  • Take the #1 subway train to 145th Street and Broadway for easy access to the park's main entrance.
  • Visit the park's website for schedules and rules for the aquatics complex, skating rink, and cultural events.
  • Enjoy a meal with a view at Sofrito On The Hudson, the park's restaurant.
  • Check out the Totally Kid Carousel, a unique merry-go-round designed with children's drawings.
  • Remember that pets are not allowed in the park (service animals are an exception).
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach Riverbank State Park via public transport, take the #1 subway train to the 145th Street and Broadway station. From there, walk one block west to Riverside Drive; the park entrance will be on your left. Alternatively, the A, B, C, or D trains to 145th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue require a four-block walk west to the park entrance. The BX19 and M11 buses also run directly into the park. A single subway or bus fare is $3.

  • Walking

    If you are near the Hudson River Greenway, you can walk directly into Riverbank State Park. Enter the park at 145th Street and Riverside Drive. Follow the main road to access the various facilities and attractions within the park. There are no access fees for walking into the park.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    When taking a taxi or ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft, input 679 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10031 as your destination. The driver can drop you off at the main entrance at 145th Street and Riverside Drive. From Port Authority Bus Terminal, a taxi to the park will cost approximately $29-40.

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Discover more about Riverbank State Park

Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park, opened in 1993 and renamed in 2017 to honor Assemblyman Denny Farrell, is a pioneering urban park located in West Harlem. Built on top of the North River Wastewater Treatment Plant, the park exemplifies environmental justice by providing recreational and community engagement opportunities to the neighborhood. Inspired by Japanese rooftop designs, this multi-level park offers a wide array of activities and breathtaking views. The park's facilities are housed in five major buildings and include an Olympic-size swimming pool, a covered skating rink for both roller skating and ice skating, an 800-seat cultural theater, and a 2,500-seat athletic complex with a fitness room. Outdoor amenities feature a 25-yard lap pool, a wading pool, tennis and basketball courts, a softball field, hand/paddleball courts, and a 400-meter running track with a football/soccer field. A 400-seat amphitheater sits at water level. Riverbank State Park also offers unique attractions such as an educational greenhouse, playgrounds, a water splashing area, and the Totally Kid Carousel, designed by artist Milo Mottola in collaboration with local children. The park is open year-round, offering diverse programs and events for all ages. It stands as a testament to innovative urban planning, combining recreation, community, and environmental consciousness.

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