Riverbank State Park – A world of fun over the Hudson River

riverbank state park pool Riverbank State Park, located in the heart of West Harlem, is a little known gem to many New Yorkers. This unique 28 acre park sits atop a pier over the Hudson River. Although a bit of an eye-sore at first glance, this park offers many great resources and great views. It includes an Olympic-size indoor pool, an outdoor pool, a covered skating rink for roller skating in the summer and ice-skating in the winter, a large outdoor theater, an amazing athletic complex with basketball courts and a fitness room, outdoor tennis and basketball courts, a full football field with a running track, and a fancy restaurant with views of the George Washington Bridge (with indoor and outdoor seating and jazz some nights) called The River Room. There is also a beautiful carousel for kids but it was being renovated last summer so hopefully it will re-open this year. There are great grassy areas to run around and picnic tables available. Best of all it’s a bargain (most activities are free) – swimming costs $2 for adults and $1 for children 5-15 (4 and under are free), Ice Skating $5 for adults and $3 for children, and roller skating is $1.50 and $6 for skate rentals. No dogs or bikes allowed.