Riverbank State Park

A Sky-High Urban Oasis

Perched 69 feet above the Hudson River, Riverbank State Park is a pretty remarkable feat of urban ingenuity. This 28-acre green space sits atop the North River Wastewater Treatment Plant in Upper Manhattan, offering breathtaking views of the Hudson, the Palisades, and the majestic George Washington Bridge.

When it opened in 1993, Riverbank broke new ground as New York City's first and largest public green roof. Taking inspiration from Japanese rooftop facilities, city planners transformed what could have been just a treatment facility into a vibrant community space. It's a clever example of how urban planning can turn practical infrastructure into something beautiful and useful for everyone.

Recreation for Every Season

What makes Riverbank truly special is its impressive collection of year-round facilities spread across five main buildings. You'll come across an Olympic-size swimming pool that's great for serious lap swimmers, alongside a covered skating rink that transforms from roller skating in summer to ice skating when the weather turns cold.

The 2,500-seat athletic complex houses a well-equipped fitness room, while culture lovers can enjoy performances at the 800-seat cultural theater. If you work up an appetite, the Sofrito restaurant offers delicious meals with picturesque river views that make dining here an experience in itself.

Step outside, and the options multiply. There's a 25-yard lap pool for outdoor swimming, a shallow wading pool for the little ones, tennis and basketball courts for friendly matches, and handball/paddleball courts for quick-paced games. The 400-meter track encircles football/soccer fields where local leagues often play, while community gardens offer a peaceful retreat for those with a green thumb.

Kids have their own spaces too, with two playgrounds and the whimsical Totally Kid Carousel, which features designs created with input from local children. For gatherings, there are several picnic areas with tables and grills, plus a 400-seat amphitheater at water level for outdoor performances.

The swimming facilities are a local favorite, with special hours set aside for seniors and dedicated lap swimmers. If you're looking to avoid crowds, try visiting during fall, winter, or spring. Just remember that there's a specific dress code for the pools - it's all about safety rather than fashion.

Distinctive white ventilation towers stand tall against the blue sky

Photo: Karen Green (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Get Moving, Stay Fit

With its recently renovated track and athletic fields, Riverbank is popular with fitness enthusiasts. You'll often see soccer leagues in action, tennis lessons in progress, and basketball tournaments heating up the courts. The indoor gym has membership options that are particularly useful during the winter months.

Many sports facilities are free to use, though some require registration or modest fees. If you're a senior, you're in luck - the park offers free classes before noon, ranging from quilt making and drawing to piano keyboard, chess, and various dance forms.

Athletes enjoy a game on the bright green turf field

Photo: Shinya Suzuki (CC BY 2.0)

More Than a Park

Riverbank goes beyond typical park offerings by hosting cooking classes, gardening workshops, and community events that bring neighbors together. Many Manhattan residents use it as a place to connect with neighbors.

The park has a family-friendly atmosphere with clean facilities year-round. Summer weekends transform the space into a lively scene of picnics and BBQs, with people making full use of the grounds from morning until evening.

Open daily from 6AM to 11PM, Riverbank is accessible and affordable for Upper Manhattan residents. With its recreational options, educational programs, and river views, it's a valued green space in the neighborhood.