Governor Hochul Announces Completion of Upgraded Sport Facilities at Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park Ahead of Summer Season

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the first phase of a multi-million dollar revitalization of Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park, the most-visited state park in New York City, has been completed in time for the summer season. The Phase 1 South End Reconstruction project rebuilt the artificial turf, bleachers, and backstop of the existing softball field, created a new tee ball diamond and rehabilitated the adjacent basketball courts and esplanade. This $6.25 million project is just the beginning. Governor Hochul committed to revitalizing the 30-year-old park in her State of the State address earlier this year.

"Earlier this year, I committed to the renewal of this park as an investment in the health of New Yorkers, the strength of our communities and the special place that has become a cornerstone of the Harlem community over the past 30 years," Governor Hochul said. "Today is just the beginning of our fulfillment of that goal. There is no better way to honor the lasting legacy of Denny Farrell."

More than three million people visit Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park every year. The ongoing rehabilitation project is part of Governor Hochul's campaign for New Yorkers to "Get Offline, Get Outside."

The South End Reconstruction project included:

• Full reconstruction of the softball synthetic turf field
• Replacement of existing perimeter fencing and backstop at heights appropriate for safe game play
• Addition of ADA accessible bleachers on both sides of the new backstop
• Construction of a new tee ball diamond with backstop and bleachers
• Resurfacing of adjacent basketball courts
• Repair and re-set of pavers throughout the project area
• Upgrade of landscape lighting
• Repair of drinking fountains

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Acting Commissioner Kathleen Moser said, "Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park is a vital community destination and a unique park in our system. Thanks to Governor Hochul's unprecedented investment, the newly rebuilt South End will provide safer, more accessible spaces for families, athletes and neighbors to gather, play and enjoy the outdoors. The project represents an exciting first step in a broader revitalization that will ensure this jewel on the Hudson River continues serving the Harlem community for generations to come."

Funding for the Phase 1 South End Reconstruction Project came from the Office of State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation capital projects budget; Assemblymember Al Taylor SAM Grant, the Land and Water Conservation Fund; and New York State's Environmental Protection Fund.

State Senator Cordell Cleare said, "Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park has always been one of the heartbeats of this community and New York City. A place where our children take their first swings on a softball field, where families gather on warm summer evenings, and where neighbors come together to celebrate who we are. This $6.25 million investment in the South End Reconstruction is exactly what our district deserves. This isn't small. These are the building blocks of healthy childhoods and strong communities. It is deeply gratifying to have secured this investment alongside Governor Hochul, and I want every family in this district to know: this is just the beginning. With $20 million proposed in the FY 2027 Budget for continued revitalization, we are committed to ensuring that Riverbank remains a jewel on the Hudson for our children, our grandchildren, and the generations that follow."

Assemblymember Al Taylor said, "Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park has long been one of the most important recreational and community spaces in Upper Manhattan, serving generations of families, young people and residents throughout Harlem and beyond. I am proud to have supported this project and grateful to see these long-awaited improvements completed ahead of the summer season. These investments are about more than new facilities, they are about creating safe, accessible, and welcoming spaces where our community can gather, play, grow and thrive. Riverbank is a true jewel of our community, and I look forward to seeing families enjoy these revitalized spaces for years to come."

Assemblymember Jordan J.G. Wright said, "Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park has long been a crown jewel of Upper Manhattan and a vital gathering place for families throughout the 70th Assembly District. This major investment ensures that our children, seniors, athletes, and residents will continue to have access to safe, modern, and welcoming recreational spaces for generations to come. I thank Governor Kathy Hochul for her leadership and commitment to revitalizing Riverbank Park and delivering meaningful investments that strengthen the health, wellness, and quality of life of our community."

New York City Comptroller Mark Levine said, "Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park is a gem in Upper Manhattan, carrying on the legacy of one of its biggest champions. As someone who has long supported and fought to fund this park, I am so excited to see Governor Hochul undertake this next phase of this park. Generations to come will be able to enjoy the revitalization we are about to undertake - for Upper Manhattan and all of New York City."

New York City Council Majority Leader Shaun Abreu said, "As a kid growing up in the neighborhood, I was always looking for a place to play outside. The alley next to my apartment building worked pretty well for stickball, but a brand-new field at Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park would've been even better! I'm glad that this project will complete just in time for summer, along with new basketball courts and more. Thank you to Governor Hochul for making this possible. We're looking forward to the next phase of renovations."

New York City Council Member Gale A. Brewer said, "Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park is one of the most important public spaces in Upper Manhattan, serving thousands of families, young people, athletes, and residents every year. These renovations will make the park safer, more accessible, and more welcoming for the surrounding community, especially ahead of the busy summer season. I thank Governor Hochul, State Parks, and all of the partners who helped make this project possible, and I look forward to continued investments in Riverbank and parks across our city. As Manhattan Borough President, some of my best moments were spent at Riverbank."

New York City Council Member Yousef Salam said, "Riverbank State Park has always been more than a park, it's a haven for recreation, and a source of pride for the Harlem community. These upgraded facilities represent a meaningful investment in our youth, our families, and the future of accessible public spaces. From the renovated softball field and new tee ball diamond to the improved basketball courts and ADA-accessible amenities, this project ensures that generations of New Yorkers will continue to play and connect along the Hudson River for years to come."

The Phase 1 South End Reconstruction Project builds on Governor Hochul's commitment to revitalizing New York's parks and expanding access to outdoor recreation opportunities statewide. The proposed FY 2027 Budget allocates $20 million for comprehensive work at Riverbank.

Governor Hochul's Get Offline, Get Outside initiative encourages families to strengthen community ties and improve their physical and mental health by embracing screen-free outdoor recreation opportunities. The Unplug and Play investments have delivered more than $350 million to improve community recreation facilities across the state through three programs: NY BRICKS (Build Recreational Infrastructure for Communities, Kids and Seniors), NY PLAYS (Places for Learning, Activity and Youth Socialization) initiative helping New York communities construct new playgrounds and renovate existing playgrounds; and NY SWIMS (Statewide Investment in More Swimming).

Built atop a wastewater treatment plant, Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park opened in 1993 and functions as a center for community recreation and enrichment. The 28-acre park features a skating rink, indoor and outdoor pools, gymnasium, performance space, fitness center, ball fields, tennis courts, track and multipurpose sports field, carousel, and greenhouse with learning garden and companion community garden, as well as traditional urban park space. Inspired by urban rooftop parks found in Japan, it is the only park of its kind in the western hemisphere. In 2017, it was renamed in honor of the late Herman "Denny" Farrell, who fiercely represented the Harlem community for four decades in the State Assembly and was a longtime community leader.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes more than 86 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call (518) 474-0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.