Riverside Park

James M. McDonald, NYC: 25th Feb 2004 - 14:44 GMT

For me, Riverside is for the residents and Central is for the tourists. When in Central Park, you're in a circus-type atmosphere, where people are showing off and exhibiting for the out-of-towners. When you're in Riverside, you're relaxed, you're with other New Yorkers, enjoying the views of the Hudson and the cooling breeze from the River. Both parks are great and even though Central is more famous, I prefer Riverside for the calmness and ease I feel there. Now that it connects all the way downtown the Battery Park and new wonderful piers have been built, you can bike or blade or walk it all the way down and back again, making it the best spot for sport and relxation in the City, especially with the Chelsea Piers. What a place! Hudson River Park is spectacular and beautifully landscaped, joining up with Riverside. I must say, uptown is beautiful, as well, with views of the Palisaides and GWB. Whichever park you prfefer, you can't lose. How about both? Any time of the year is the right time.
I love New York and Riverside Park is one of the main reasons.
Sincrely,
James M. McDonald,
Resident of the Uppwer West Side for 25 years.

Peter: 25th Feb 2004 - 15:16 GMT

hi james... thanks for the thoughtful comment. i couldnt agree with you more. i lived in morningside heights from 1995-2002, and loved most every minute of it, especially those spent in riverside park.

you seem to have an expert opinion, and rightly so after being a 25 year veteran of the neighborhood- do feel free to post or comment here anytime- folks such as yourself are always welcome here!

Dickriqulous: 6th May 2005 - 02:19 GMT

All due respect to James, but Central Park is truly special. Quite a bit more than "for the tourists." Especially up near the Harlem end, where it is far from a "circus-type atmosphere." Riverside Park is stunning in its own right, but I feel like there was a bit of self-righteousness expressed in Mr. McDonald's prior comments.

Charlie Lupo: 18th Jun 2006 - 23:52 GMT

I think Riverside Park is stunning and beautiful and offer's New Yorker's many different ways to enjoy a piece of green space in a city as complex as we are. But to say it's better then Central Park or Prospect Park or any other park in NYC is just one's opinion. We are so blessed to have such beauty with green grass, beautiful gardens, tall healthy tree's and views of our waterways and lovely playgrounds. What other City agency offers all this and comfort stations too? Just remember if we don't pitch in and give a damn about it all it could all disappear one day. Let's give something back and help our neighboring parks. Yes, Riverside is stunning butit takes a lot to maintain it.