Governor Hochul celebrates completion of major sports facility upgrades at Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park before summer crowds arrive

Albany, New York – Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the completion of the first phase of a major reconstruction effort at Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park, delivering upgraded sports and recreation facilities just as New York City heads into the busy summer season. The work marks the opening chapter of a broader, multi-million-dollar revitalization project aimed at modernizing one of the city’s most heavily visited public spaces and reinforcing its role as a centerpiece of the Harlem community.

For decades, Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park has served as more than a neighborhood park. Perched above a wastewater treatment facility along the Hudson River, the unique 28-acre complex has become a gathering place where athletics, recreation, culture, and community life intersect. Every year, millions of New Yorkers and visitors make their way to the park to swim, play sports, attend events, exercise, or simply enjoy open space in Upper Manhattan.

Now, after years of wear and heavy use, the park’s South End has undergone a substantial transformation.

The newly completed Phase 1 South End Reconstruction project included the full rebuilding of the existing synthetic turf softball field, replacement of fencing and backstop systems, installation of ADA-accessible bleachers, construction of a brand-new tee ball diamond, resurfacing of basketball courts, repairs to walkways and pavers, upgraded lighting, and improvements to drinking fountains throughout the area.

The project carried a price tag of $6.25 million and arrives ahead of summer, when the park experiences some of its highest attendance levels of the year.

State officials described the effort as part of a larger commitment to public health, neighborhood investment, and expanding access to outdoor recreation.

“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.”

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The governor’s announcement also ties directly into her statewide “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative, a campaign designed to encourage residents to spend more time outdoors and engage in physical activity away from screens and devices. The initiative has become a broader push toward improving community recreation facilities across New York through programs focused on playgrounds, athletic spaces, and swimming infrastructure.

Riverbank State Park, officials say, fits perfectly within that mission.

More than three million people visit the park annually, making it the most visited state park in New York City. On warm days, its courts, pools, ball fields, tracks, and open spaces become packed with children, athletes, families, and seniors from across Harlem and neighboring communities.

The newly renovated South End is expected to play a major role in supporting youth leagues, local sports programs, and everyday recreation throughout the summer and beyond.

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Acting Commissioner Kathleen Moser said the upgrades represent a significant investment not only in infrastructure, but also in the long-term future of the surrounding neighborhood.

“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.”

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The South End improvements focused heavily on safety and accessibility, two issues frequently raised by community members over the years as park facilities aged. Officials emphasized that the new bleachers were designed with ADA accessibility standards in mind, while fencing and backstop heights were adjusted to better support safe play for organized games and youth activities.

The addition of a new tee ball field is also expected to expand opportunities for younger children entering organized sports for the first time.

Funding for the reconstruction project came from several sources, including the State Parks capital projects budget, support from Assemblymember Al Taylor through a SAM Grant, the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, and New York State’s Environmental Protection Fund.

Local and state leaders praised the project as a meaningful reinvestment in Upper Manhattan at a time when many urban communities continue pushing for stronger recreational infrastructure and more equitable access to green space.

State Senator Cordell Cleare described Riverbank as a foundational part of neighborhood identity and family life.

“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.”

That proposed $20 million allocation in the FY 2027 Budget would support additional work at the park in future phases, continuing the broader modernization effort announced earlier this year.

Assemblymember Al Taylor also highlighted the park’s importance to generations of Harlem residents and families who have relied on Riverbank as one of the few large-scale recreational spaces in the area.

“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 pointed to the broader social and public health value of investing in parks and outdoor recreation.

“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.”

The project also drew support from city officials, including New York City Comptroller Mark Levine, who noted the historic and symbolic importance of Riverbank State Park for Upper Manhattan residents.

“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.”

For many community members, the improvements carry a deeply personal meaning.

New York City Council Majority Leader Shaun Abreu reflected on growing up nearby and searching for places to play as a child.

“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.”

Council Member Gale A. Brewer echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the role Riverbank has played for thousands of families over the years.

“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.”

Council Member Yousef Salam said the renovations represent an investment in both community identity and future generations.

“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 park itself occupies a rare place in New York City’s recreational landscape. Opened in 1993, Riverbank State Park was built on top of a wastewater treatment plant, a design inspired in part by rooftop urban parks in Japan. State officials have often described it as the only park of its kind in the western hemisphere.

Over the years, the facility has grown into a sprawling recreational hub featuring indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a skating rink, fitness center, gymnasium, tennis courts, performance spaces, ball fields, a track, multipurpose sports fields, and community garden areas.

In 2017, the park was renamed in honor of Herman “Denny” Farrell, the longtime Harlem assemblyman and influential political leader who represented the community for four decades. Farrell was widely known for advocating for Harlem neighborhoods and supporting investments in public services, education, and recreation.

Officials say the new improvements continue that legacy by ensuring that the park remains accessible and functional for future generations.

The broader revitalization effort also reflects a larger statewide trend toward expanding and modernizing public recreation infrastructure. Governor Hochul’s administration has directed hundreds of millions of dollars toward community recreation projects through initiatives such as NY BRICKS, NY PLAYS, and NY SWIMS.

Those programs have focused on building and upgrading playgrounds, pools, sports facilities, and recreation spaces across New York State, particularly in underserved communities where outdoor infrastructure has historically lacked investment.

At Riverbank, however, the impact is especially visible because of the park’s enormous daily use and deep roots in the neighborhood.

As summer begins, the timing of the project’s completion could prove significant. Schools are preparing for summer break, youth leagues are organizing schedules, and families are searching for outdoor activities during the hottest months of the year.

The renovated South End now offers a refreshed environment where children can learn sports fundamentals, local teams can compete, and residents can gather in a safer and more modern setting.

For longtime Harlem residents, the reopening is not simply about new turf or resurfaced courts. It represents continuity — a reaffirmation that a park many grew up with is being preserved rather than neglected.

And for city and state leaders, the project stands as an early milestone in what they hope will become a much larger transformation of one of New York City’s most important public recreation spaces.

More work is expected in the years ahead, but for now, the rebuilt fields, courts, and gathering areas are ready for another New York summer along the Hudson River.