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.

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Special Events Volunteer Events
Community Volunteer Day: Invasion 26 July 2025

Volunteer project in the works. Will be providing details later on this upcoming season.

Special Events Volunteer Events
Community Volunteer Day: Spring Clean up 29 March 2025

Join us for a day of outdoor fun and community service at our Early Spring Weeding Event! As the warmer weather approaches, it’s the perfect time to roll up our sleeves and help maintain our local green spaces. This event will be a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature, meet new people, and make a positive impact on the environment.

Location: TBD

Here a friendly reminder on what to bring to be prepared for volunteering in Riverside:

What to wear/bring:

  • Filled water bottle
  • Sturdy, closed-toe shoes
  • Long pants
  • Comfortable clothing that can get dirty
  • Sunscreen
  • Optional: Hat

We will provide gloves for volunteers and any tools/materials needed for the project. Please always keep personal items with you, as we do not have a secure area for personal belongings.

For the safety of our staff and volunteers, if on the day of the project you are sick or not feeling well, STAY HOME! It is not worth the risk to you or to others.

Special Events Volunteer Events
It’s My Park Day: Spring Edition 26 April 2025

It’s My Park Day is a biannual event where we come together to celebrate and take care of our beloved Park Tender gardens. Our ParkTenders steward various landscaped areas throughout the Park, some with one season of stewardship under their belts and some with decades of dedication to their gardens.

During the fall edition of It’s My Park Day, our ParkTenders and field staff work together to take care of fall planting needs.

If you are a Grassroots Volunteer and are interested in helping out with planting on It’s My Park Day, please sign up on the Grassroots Volunteer Portal.

Special Events Volunteer Events
Sandsational 2025 17 May 2025

Fresh sand means one thing in Riverside Park: Spring! Join Riverside Park Conservancy as we freshen up the sand in your local playground!

SandSational starts with a bucket brigade led by kids, and followed by parents and caregivers. Our staff will be on hand, and we will be providing pails and shovels for kids. Join us at your favorite participating playground!

Special Events Volunteer Events
Community Volunteer Day: Painting in the Park 21 June 2025

Join us in transforming our beloved park! This project aims to enhance the beauty of our park while fostering a sense of togetherness and pride among residents.

Bring your artistic flair as we restore Riverside Park’s lampposts back to life! Whether you’re an experienced painter or a beginner, this event is perfect for anyone looking to unwind and have fun. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to unleash your inner artist in giving a fresh new coat of black paint to these rusted torches.

Special Events Volunteer Events
Community Volunteer Day: Restoration Nation 2025 9 August 2025

Join us for a day of community and restoration in our Natural Areas! Let’s come together to revitalize our neighborhood and create a positive impact. This in-person event will feature activities such as Vine cutback, invasive species removal, and litter pick-up more. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference and connect with your fellow community members.

Location TBD

Special Events Volunteer Events
International Coastal Clean up 2025 13 September 2025

Join us at Riverside Park for a day of giving back to our beautiful coastlines. Let’s come together to clean up the beach, pick up trash, and make a positive impact on our environment. This in-person event is a great opportunity to connect with nature, meet like-minded individuals, and contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet.

Don’t miss out on this chance to make a difference and have fun while doing it!

Sign up for your preferred volunteer site at the links below:

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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.