Riverside Park Conservancy

View of Ellison Statue
Welcome to

Riverside Park Conservancy

The mission of Riverside Park Conservancy is to restore, maintain, and improve Riverside Park in partnership with the City of New York for the enjoyment and benefit of all New Yorkers. We support the preservation of the park’s historic landscape, structures, and monuments, engage the community in active stewardship of the park, and provide a wide range of public programs.

From 59th Street to 181st Street, from riverfront to city—side we work to enhance this Olmsted gem for present and future generations. Whatever it needs, Riverside Park Conservancy is by its side. Think of us as its gardener. Its advocate. Its sustainability manager. Its art curator. Its historian. Its visionary. And its guardian.

We work side-by-side with the New York City Parks Department, and we make improvements as diverse as the park itself and the city it serves. With the dedication and generosity of neighbors and park lovers like you, we can elevate your park experience and preserve this historic treasure for generations to come.

In the Press

“Riverside Park has bounced back largely because of the…nonprofit Riverside Park Conservancy.” – The New York Times
“The Lowkey Best Park In NYC” – Gothamist

Explore the park

Riverside Park has so much to offer – scenic waterfront strolls, playgrounds, athletic fields, historic monuments, lawns for lounging, forested habitat, dog runs, restaurants, and more. Check out our map to see what your next adventure will be!

This is the default image

Volunteer

Volunteerism is at the heart of the Conservancy’s mission to conserve, improve, and beautify Riverside Park. Community involvement is essential to the park’s well-being, and our Grassroots Volunteer Program guides individuals and groups of all skill levels in making meaningful contributions to the park’s overall care.

A group of volunteers smile in front of the Ralph Ellison Memorial in the snow

We Count on Neighbors Like You!

As a nonprofit, 501(c)3 charitable organization, the Conservancy depends solely on the generosity of donors to operate its important work. The Riverside Park Conservancy supports the preservation of the Park’s historic landscape, structure, and monuments, engages the community in active stewardship of the Park, and provides a wide range of public programs.

This is the default image

Riverside Insiders

Sign up to receive updates about what’s going on in Riverside Park!

Activities And Events

Summer on the Hudson, held in partnership with Riverside Park Conservancy and NYC Parks, is an annual outdoor arts and culture festival that takes place in Riverside Park from 59th Street to 181st Street. This free public programming series includes a mix of music concerts, dance performances, movies under the stars, DJ dance parties, kids shows, special events, education and wellness activities, and more. There is something for everyone! All programs and events are free to the public and registration is not required unless specifically stated in event information.

Education & Workshops Summer on the Hudson
Shakespeare Workout 15 June 2024

Shakespeare Workout: Covering the elements of voice production, acting, and stage combat. Open to all ages 13 and up.

Registration required: hudsonclassicaltheatercompany.org

Music & Dance Special Events
Jazz Foundation Presents: Sunset Sounds 14 June 2024

The Jazz Foundation of America presents an evening of Jazz on the waterfront, featuring musician David Lee jones.

David Lee Jones

Soulful alto saxophonist and flautist David Lee Jones was born and raised in Houston, TX, a city that is deeply rooted in Blues, R&B and Soul music. He attended Texas Southern University, then Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he obtained a B. A. in Jazz Composition and Arranging. In 1984 David moved to New York City and began working with jazz organist Jack McDuff. In 1992 he began working with Phyllis Hyman, playing auxiliary keyboards as well as saxophones for three years, until her death in 1995. After joining the Grammy award winning jazz / rap group Digable Planets, he played on, wrote and arranged all the horn arrangements for their sophomore record “Blowout Comb.” He toured with Sade on her last U.S .tour entitled “Love Deluxe.” In recent years, David has worked with the Mingus Big Band and the Sun Ra Arkestra, and he leads his own Organ Groove Trio in Harlem at the American Legion Post 398 every Sunday.

Summer on the Hudson events are free and open to the public. Seating is limited, unreserved, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If there is heavy rain at the time of the event, the event will be canceled. For weather updates, check nyc.gov/parks/soh 2 hours before the event.

This is the default image
Music & Dance Summer on the Hudson
Face the Music 9 June 2024

Students from the Kaufman Music Center’s dynamic youth music program collaborate with members of the Metropolis Ensemble to present original and participatory works.

Summer on the Hudson events are free and open to the public. Seating is limited, unreserved, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If there is heavy rain at the time of the event, the event will be canceled. For weather updates, check nyc.gov/parks/soh 2 hours before the event.

Health & Wellness Summer on the Hudson
Sunset Yoga 6 June 2024

Summer on the Hudson partners with Sweet Water Dance & Yoga for a multi-level sunset yoga practice. Suitable for all fitness levels. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring your own mat.

Summer on the Hudson events are free and open to the public. Seating is limited, unreserved, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If there is heavy rain at the time of the event, the event will be canceled. For weather updates, check nyc.gov/parks/soh 2 hours before the event.

Health & Wellness Summer on the Hudson
Sunset Yoga 13 June 2024

Summer on the Hudson partners with Sweet Water Dance & Yoga for a multi-level sunset yoga practice. Suitable for all fitness levels. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring your own mat.

Summer on the Hudson events are free and open to the public. Seating is limited, unreserved, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If there is heavy rain at the time of the event, the event will be canceled. For weather updates, check nyc.gov/parks/soh 2 hours before the event.

Health & Wellness Summer on the Hudson
Sunset Yoga 26 September 2024

Summer on the Hudson partners with Sweet Water Dance & Yoga for a multi-level sunset yoga practice. Suitable for all fitness levels. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring your own mat.

Summer on the Hudson events are free and open to the public. Seating is limited, unreserved, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If there is heavy rain at the time of the event, the event will be canceled. For weather updates, check nyc.gov/parks/soh 2 hours before the event.

Music & Dance Summer on the Hudson
Everybody Tango! 5 June 2024

Enjoy introductory Argentine Tango lessons, music, and dancing in the open air. Live music and dancers June 5 and July 3. Lessons are held at 6:45 p.m. and 7:45 p.m. with social dance time between lessons.

Summer on the Hudson events are free and open to the public. Seating is limited, unreserved, and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If there is heavy rain at the time of the event, the event will be canceled. For weather updates, check nyc.gov/parks/soh 2 hours before the event.

This is the default image
A Teen Corps member works to remove Mugwort from the Pollinator Meadow

Projects & Initiatives

Updates

The Conservancy works to make the Park a better place for all the people and species that spend time here.