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

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.