Riverbank State Park — Attraction in New York

Riverbank State Park is a jewel with a beautiful view of the New Jersey shore line to the West and Riverside Drive with it's boulevard of trees and historic buildings to the East. I love the convenience of transportation provided by the MTA's (M11) bus line which drops you off in front of a beautiful plaza that leads you into the recreation area. If you live in the Bronx you can take the (BX15) which runs over the West 145th Street (3rd Avenue) bridge from Manhattan to the Bronx. Riverside Park is well maintained by the staff and officers. There is an array of recreational activities for people of all age groups. An Olympic size track for jogging, picnic tables, barbecue pits and a huge gym to play basketball. Riverside State Park has a recreation center where you can rehearse for a musical or dance recital. In addition they offer enrichment classes in art, book clubs, after school programs and meeting space for community organizations. If you want a bite to eat go to the concession stand within the recreation center and get a juicy burger or grilled hotdog with a favorite drink. You will have plenty of places to sit and eat your food. The State troopers and park staff are courteous and professional and will assist you with any questions or concerns that you may have while visiting the park. The restrooms are located in the recreation center and they are kept clean. The recreation area is closed to the public by dusk (Sundown) just like any other park. In addition to all of the park's amenities there is an outstanding restaurant called "Sofrito" located within the park's entrance by the bus depot. "Sofrito" serves amazing Latin dishes and the staff goes out of their way to make sure your visit is a delight. "Sofrito" always has a live ensemble or D.J. grinding out the best Latin music while you wait for your order of food and drinks. Many customers just start dancing because the music is so good and sets the mood for a good time. In addition there is a boardwalk pier that you can take a stroll on towards the water or just gaze at the moon while you sit at your table enjoying your food, your drink and the music. So get away for the day and play at Riverside Park today! You won't regret...

Today we came to the pool because the weather was going to be nice, nowhere in the weather did it say rain. My friends and I left the pool at around 4 before the storm started. While we were in the locker room we were informed there was a large storm outside. Upon exiting the locker room not even a minute passed we were just taking in the fact it was pouring outside and what we were planning on doing and a man who worked there approached my friend in a hostile manner asking “what are we still doing here?” several times. After I pointed at the storm he said we had to leave in a rude tone. Another employee was forcing all of us out into the storm saying if we don’t leave they will call the police. While waiting in the hallway and doors prior to exiting an employee was arguing with another guest saying “No one told you to come to the pool when it’s going to rain” well with that reasoning, why was the pool open prior to rain? Another employee was kinder and guiding us to another building where we could stay but even leaving we were drenched in rain because they didn’t allow us to stay a couple minutes until it died down. I understand it’s your job but there’s no reason to be so rude. The same guy from before came and talked to grown women with no respect like he wasn’t raised by his mother. I understand that the pool is nice and all but go somewhere that at least treats their guests with some respect...

This review is solely for the picnic scheduling portion and cashiers office near the skating rink in the park.

I reached out to Lila Acevedo in May to reserve a picnic spot in June. We exchanged emails for a day before I decided to take a tour of riverbank state park picnic area. I drove to Harlem from Brooklyn, tour the picnic area with my aunt plus my children, locate the cashiers office, and stand in line for 30 mins. Once it’s my turn, I tell the cashier where I’d like to be on the picnic grounds, she’s not familiar with the description (even though she works IN THE PARK), she then makes a copy of the grounds map and asks me ID the tables based on letters on the map, fill out a few forms and bring everything back when I’m done. The amount of information needed on the form is A. ridiculous B. overkill, none the less I fill in every single line. Head back to the office, wait in line again, speak to two more park cashiers, revise my application based on attendees and submit the paperwork for final review…… just to be told ALL THE TABLES ARE TAKEN FOR THE WEEKEND I REQUESTED.

Edit: Lila has since reached out and apologized on behalf of the cashiers office and limited availability. She also placed two tables on hold should I change my mind, but the tables weren’t near each other. Still, I really appreciate the follow up more than anything. So I’m revising my review, from...