The most-visited state park in New York City is getting a much-needed update. This project will include the renovation of all locker rooms, resurfacing the outdoor track and replacing the turf field, and upgrading the heating and ventilation system in the performing arts center at Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park in West Harlem .
Due to age and heavy usage from the millions of visitors each year, the park is in need of a comprehensive renovation. Capital improvements projects to the park are expected to include:
- Renovating the 30-year-old locker room facilities in both the athletics and aquatics centers. The $19 million project will begin with the renovation of the athletics locker room starting in January 2023, with completion in spring 2023; the aquatics locker room renovation will start in spring 2023 and be complete spring 2024.
- Resurfacing the outdoor track and replacing the turf field – a $5 million project set to start in February 2023 and end by June 2023.
- Installing a new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system for the park’s year-round performing arts center. The $500,000 project will start February 2023 and finish by June 2023.
Earlier this year, State Parks installed a new $1.5 million lighting tower to illuminate the outdoor track and field for evening activities and events. Additionally, the community garden was renovated to include new and expanded raised garden beds, ADA accessibility enhancements, and improved drainage and water supply.
Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park has served as West Harlem’s recreational and cultural hub for nearly 30 years. The park welcomes more than three million people each year, ranking it among the most visited state parks in New York State. It serves as a community resource for an area that was once cut off from the Hudson River. The Park provide a four-season recreational resource for a community that has been traditionally underserved.
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Photo of Riverbank State Park courtesy Wikimedia user Anthony22.
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