NYC Parks Department Begins River Run Playground Renovation Process, Seeks Community Input

Last week, the New York City Parks Department held a Zoom meeting to welcome community input as they begin the design process for the renovation of River Run Playground in Riverside Park, located at West 83rd Street and Riverside Drive.

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Steve Simon, Manhattan Chief of Staff at the Parks Department, led the meeting, which marked the formal start of the design process. “The Parks Department takes pride in the fact that before we design a capital project, we go out to the community to seek its input.” Simon added that their goal is to design and build something that meets parkgoers’ needs and becomes a valuable asset for the community. “With the input we gathered tonight, we will develop a proposed design for the playground that will be presented to Community Board 7’s Parks and Environment Committee for public review, hopefully in June.”

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Simon credited City Council Member Gale Brewer for helping secure the necessary funds for the playground renovation. It was noted that under the current plan, the bathrooms would not be included in the renovation. However, one of Brewer’s staff members asked the Parks Department to provide a cost estimate for including the bathrooms in the upgrades, as they would work toward raising that money as well.

Before gathering community input, a Parks Department representative provided a brief history of Riverside Park, which was schematically designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and completed between 1880 and 1900. Later, from 1935 to 1937, Parks Commissioner Robert Moses doubled the park’s size, adding the River Run section and all areas of active recreation, including ballfields, playgrounds, and other facilities.

The Parks Department also updated attendees on River Run’s current features, such as the swings, the water runnel—which has long been a favorite among children—and the sandbox, a rare feature designed by local artist Jerry Linus. In total, River Run spans 30,900 square feet, with the public restroom building covering about 1,400 square feet.

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The see-saw became a brief talking point, with Simon noting that it might be the last remaining see-saw in the entire Parks Department system. It was mentioned that the see-saw poses a legal liability risk, as it has been considered hazardous—particularly in cases where one child gets off suddenly, causing the other to fall. This is also why merry-go-rounds have been removed from the parks system over the years.

When it was time for public input, one speaker advocated for keeping a sandbox area in the park’s upgrades. A sand sculptor and self-described “kid at heart,” they shared that all their children grew up playing in the playground and now they have grandchildren they hope to introduce to the same experience. Another local parent pushed for the addition of modern strength-building equipment, such as climbing walls, unique slides, and zip lines. They also expressed hope that the water runnel would remain in the upgrade, though they’d like to see it enhanced to meander more through the playground.

Another parent requested “soft floors” to minimize injuries, along with a designated community gathering space where people could obtain permits to host birthday parties and other events. Several attendees advocated for zip lines and additional climbing structures. While the playground currently features a climbing cube, some attendees remarked that park equipment has become increasingly safer over the years—potentially limiting opportunities for children to challenge themselves and develop an understanding of risk and consequences during a crucial stage of growth.

Simon said that between the design phase, the legal review of construction documents, obtaining the necessary permits, and the final construction, the new playground is at least three years away from completion.

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The Parks Department is accepting public input until March 5, unless an extension is granted. Those interested in submitting feedback can do so here.

Before wrapping up, Lisa Shore, volunteer outreach coordinator for the Riverside Park Conservancy, noted that they are seeking volunteers for River Run Playground and other areas of the park. For more information, you can contact her at Lisa@Riversideparknyc.org.

Abel Bainnson Butz, LLP has been selected to design the new River Run Playground.

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