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!

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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.

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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.

Eleanor in Spring
Education & Workshops Special Events Summer on the Hudson
Sketch Jam 30 June 2024

Bring your favorite art supplies to this observational drawing event led by artist and illustrator Ishita Jain. No registration required, some basic supplies provided.

 

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Education & Workshops Special Events Summer on the Hudson
Sketch Jam 25 August 2024

Bring your favorite art supplies to this observational drawing event led by artist and illustrator Ishita Jain. No registration required, some basic supplies provided.

 

Education & Workshops Special Events Summer on the Hudson
Sketch Jam 8 June 2024

Bring your favorite art supplies to this observational drawing event led by artist and illustrator Ishita Jain. No registration required, some basic supplies provided.

 

Kids & Family Special Events Summer on the Hudson
FlyNYC 17 August 2024

Music and kites fill the air at this festival for all ages. Kite kits provided free for children (while supplies last) or bring your own favorite kite from home.

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.

Education & Workshops Summer on the Hudson
Art en Plein Air 25 May 2024

An instructor from the Art Students League leads a visual exploration of our beautiful park. Learn to draw or paint from observation with your favorite drawing supplies. Registration required, visit soh.eventbrite.com.

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 cancelled. For weather updates, check nyc.gov/parks/soh 2 hours before the event.

Education & Workshops Summer on the Hudson
Art en Plein Air 14 September 2024

An instructor from the Art Students League leads a visual exploration of our beautiful park. Learn to draw or paint from observation with your favorite drawing supplies. Registration required, visit soh.eventbrite.com.

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 cancelled. For weather updates, check nyc.gov/parks/soh 2 hours before the event.

Music & Dance Special Events Summer on the Hudson
New York City Irish Dance Festival 5 May 2024

The 23rd annual celebration of Irish dance features traditional music and moves from notable talent from around the country and local students alike. Audience members can immerse themselves in Irish arts and culture with workshops and dance classes for all ages!

Presented in association with:
Irish Arts Center
Irish Business Organization of NY Inc. 
Gaelic League Manhattan
Killoran-Clancy-Whelan branch of Comhaltas

More information available at the Niall O’Leary School of Irish Dance.

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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.