The future of Riverside Park depends on what we do today. Our 2026 goals will ensure this six-mile ribbon of green is a growing, resilient and welcoming place- next year, and beyond.
Here’s what we’re working towards:
🌱 Tree care and urban forest restoration
We’re prioritizing the health of the park’s 28,000 trees by supplementing the City’s pruning and maintenance schedule and planning for canopy succession. We’re also embarking on a major forest restoration project across 7.5 acres of neglected natural areas in West Harlem.
🌱 Climate-smart care
As we confront more intense storms, extended droughts, damaging winds, and extreme temperatures, we’re doubling down on our commitment to sustainable park management. This means carefully selecting native plants for their heartiness and ecosystem value, adding more home-grown compost and soil amendments, and continuing green infrastructure improvements like wet meadows, bioswales and pollinator gardens.
🌱 New strategies for reducing litter
To supplement existing trash collection, we’re deploying a “Less Trash Crew” to remove litter along the Hudson River Greenway, and we’re piloting new volunteer programs to “adopt” areas where trash accumulates.
🌱 Small but critical repairs
When you use the same space every day, it’s often the little deterioration that leaves the biggest impression. Our new “We Fixed It! Fund” will pool donations and leverage them to tackle clusters of similar issues—broken pavers, missing stones, bent railings—with the skilled workmanship they require.
🌱 More free programs for everyone
With our expanded slate of educational, wellness and arts & cultural offerings, there are more ways than ever for the community members to gather and connect. Next year we’ll continue to expand our Uptown movie series and bring more nature-based programming throughout the park.
Thank you to everyone who supported our year-end campaign. Your gift becomes hands in the soil, crews on the ground, and programming that welcomes everyone.
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