Thank you to our professional staff whose talent and dedication kept Riverside Park thriving this year.
We asked the team to reflect on their favorite memories of 2024 and what they look forward to most in 2025.
“I’m proud of the new volunteer opportunities we’ve added and the new folks we’ve gotten involved. It’s so great when someone joins volunteering and really sticks around to see their dedication pay off over time.”
Lisa
Volunteer Outreach Coordinator
“2024 was full of learning and observing. I spent much of the year seeing how the park works as an ecosystem, which was thrilling. I’m looking forward to 2025 being full of new and exciting projects that will further contribute to the goals of the Conservancy!”
Jess
Director of Horticulture
“The northern end of our park has the best river views in Manhattan! I invite everyone to visit next year. Come for the vistas, stay for a picnic!”
Robert
Gardener
“The tennis season in the park was a big success this year! Our friendly gate staff and well attended adult and junior programming all contributed to a positive recreation experience in the park.”
JT
Executive Director of Riverside Tennis Association
“It’s been awesome to see how much love North Park has gotten this year. The outdoor athletic equipment, the renovations at the Fort Washington Tennis Courts, the new dog run under construction, movies on the waterfront. I’m excited to see more good change happening north of 120th Street, because more definitely needs to be done. It makes me hopeful that Harlem and Washington Heights will get everything they deserve and more – justice for decades of under investment and more community collaboration. It’s only just the start.”
Stephanie
North Park Outreach Coordinator
“Next year, our annual Teen Corps will not only continue but expand! I’m looking forward to seeing how my ideas impact the program and the teens. I’m proud to share knowledge in horticulture that they can use for the rest of their lives. I can’t wait to meet our next group and see how the returning teens’ skills have developed.”
Elias
Gardener & Teen Corps Lead
“I’m excited to continue to spark excitement and curiosity from youth and their families at our Sports Camp in Riverside and Fort Washington Parks. We’re always focused on sportsmanship, healthy living, leadership and community values.”
Ahmed
Sports Camp Manager
“My favorite part of my work is meeting new and fun people – and what we have in common is loving the park and keeping it clean. The most exciting thing is seeing growth each season and all the different colors that pop out!”
Shearrie
Gardener
“I’m proud to be able to give life to the fields, such as the clay baseball fields, rejuvenating them with new material and basically making a brand new field – the satisfaction of creating something beautiful from nothing! From installing new gardens in our section to restoring dog runs, I’m excited for new ideas and projects that are in store for next year.”
Cesar
Ballfields Supervisor
“Summer on the Hudson 2024 was our largest season to date, with over 300 free events! We’re looking forward to featuring more talent from local New York artists and organizations and continuing to expand our uptown programs to provide high-quality arts and culture experiences for all.”
Whitney
Director of Public Programming
“I am so proud to see the growing impact of our staff working together throughout the year. Their collaboration continues to inspire me. And as I look forward, I am most excited about finding new ways to elevate and promote the talent and creativity of the Conservancy’s incredible team in 2025 – all for the betterment of our beloved Riverside Park.”
Merritt
President & CEO
“My favorite part of this year was making new human friends on the slope in West Harlem. I can’t wait to get back to my job munching on poison ivy and mugwort in 2025!”
Romeo
2024 “G.O.A.T.” Award Winner