Mayor Bill de Blasio, NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, and DOT Commissioner Hank Gutman today announced a $348 million investment that will rehabilitate the Overbuild in Riverside Park, bringing the 1930s-era infrastructure into a state of good repair.
“A recovery for all of us means investing in our green spaces,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Riverside Park is a New York City gem and I’m proud this investment will keep the park going strong for generations to come.”
“New York City parks are critical infrastructure and their upkeep is essential for the well-bring of our residents,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Laura Anglin. “NYC Parks and the Department of Transportation have come up with a great plan to ensure Riverside Park remains in good shape for future generations to enjoy.”
“New Yorkers benefit physically, mentally, and socially when our parks are accessible and well-maintained. In particular, the past year has affirmed that our parks—with their healing nature—are integral to our city’s ecosystem,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Vicki Been. “With the Mayor’s investment, Riverside Park can continue to be a sanctuary for future generations of New Yorkers to enjoy.”
“Parks are essential infrastructure. This is a major investment that will bring much-needed structural repairs to one of our most visited parks,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. “This funding from Mayor de Blasio builds on a significant investment in rehabilitating Riverside Park’s infrastructure, and this multifaceted project will be critical in helping us care for the historic waterfront park for decades to come.”
"Riverside Park is an iconic New York City landmark, and we are proud to be a part of this major announcement by NYC Parks," said DOT Commissioner Hank Gutman. "However, with a state highway and major Amtrak lines both bisecting it, Riverside Park faces transportation and engineering challenges that must be met by both creative planning and long-term investment. The funding will bring major infrastructure upgrades that will make this historic park safer and more enjoyable for both pedestrians and cyclists."
“The City is committing well over half a billion dollars to restoring Riverside Park’s structural core, the largest investment in the park since the 1930s,” said Dan Garodnick, President of Riverside Park Conservancy. “This enormous investment in the park's fundamental infrastructure will ensure it is there for New Yorkers to enjoy for generations to come.”
The Overbuild is a series of bridge structures underneath Riverside Park, built over the Amtrak lines from W. 72nd to W. 123rd streets. Its deterioration has affected the park’s usability, causing damaged pathways and an appearance of disrepair in the park. NYC Parks and DOT have developed a multi-faceted approach to addressing the structural condition, which includes additional inspections and temporary stabilization work.
The full project details and timeline will be determined during the design process.
The funding is in addition to more than $300 million previously invested under this administration to rehabilitate Riverside Park’s infrastructure – including $200 million to reconstruct the W. 79th Street Rotunda complex, $90 million to reconstruct the W. 79th Street Boat Basin, and more than $10 million to reconstruct pathways and staircases within the park. Mayor de Blasio has also funded an $11.5 million project to begin addressing the park’s drainage systems.
One of only eight officially designated scenic landmarks in New York City, Riverside Park is widely regarded as Manhattan’s most spectacular waterfront park. Stretching along the Hudson River, the park offers a variety of recreational activities including multiple playgrounds, sports courts, and fields, a skate park, and a 110-slip public marina. Riverside Park is also home to many monuments including the General Franz Sigel, Joan of Arc, Lajos Kossuth and Soldiers’ and Sailors’ monuments.
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