This is the place. Whenever I need to convince visiting friends that there is a lot more to New York city than the flashy lights of Times Square at night and the skyscraping heights of the Empire State Building, I take them here, right on the water front of Riverside Park.
When my mom drove my brother and I to the city when we were kids, I would always see the water front part of the park, as it borders the Westside Highway. When I moved to 98th and Broadway last year I was determined to find it, although every time I embarked, I ended up in the dead-end of the 96th st highway exit. At that area, the only way under the highway was with a car and it was going away from the River. I didn’t find the real entrance until a few months later and only by chance. As you enter the park on 96st, take a right when you see the children’s park, walk up the slope onto the main pathway, continue a few hundred feet and you’ll see a small sloping downward path to your left. If you see the recreational parks to your left while walking on the main path, you’ve gone too far.
I took my friend there a few weeks ago so he could run while I do some reading for school. What astounds me every time is that there is no fence guarding you from the rocks by the waterside. You can walk right on them, which I did. I enjoy being close to water, something I took advantage of in Italy when I was running. Across the water is New Jersey, and when you’re not seeing the state through it’s notorious TV show, it’s actually a pretty sight.
Runners, bikers, dog-walkers and friends were enjoying the park that day, though not so many as to make it congested. The talk and laughter joined the easy melody of the river’s water. I set up shop on a grassy bank by the path with a towel and laid my books down. After lying down a bit and taking in the breeze, my friend went off for a run and I was left with my public relations textbook. As it grew dark and I couldn’t read anymore, I didn’t mind. The sunset that day was spectacular That is the picture I’ve included hope you like it.
When my friend came back, I had given up trying to read using the flashlight app on my Droid. His verdict on the park? It’s even a more beautiful run than Central Park’s reservoir.
