Riverside Park - something to do for the day? (Hudson: broker, neighborhood)

[MikefromCT]

Hi guys,

Next weekend I may be heading into Manhattan and was curious about this park. I've been into the city I don't know how many times, and I know Manhattan pretty well. Anyone know Riverside Park at all? I know where it is and I've seen pics of it, it looks really nice and would like to check it out. I was wondering if this might be a nice alternative to Central Park. Don't get me wrong - I love CP but I've been there so many times and thought this might be a nice activity. I'm seeing someone who lives in the neighborhood where Riverside is located (Upper West side), and thought she might like to walk around there for a bit. Anybody know this area at all? Is it safe? Like I said, I know Manhattan pretty well, but this is one of the few places I haven't been to yet.

[Viralmd]

It's very safe, but Central Park is far superior...

[NewYorkNative]

I grew up going to riverside park, it's great, check it out.
I like it far, far, far better than central park, but that's just me, no offense to anyone intended

[Viralmd]

I grew up going to both...and lived across the street from Riverside Park for several years until about ten years ago. And while it's OK, it's not that special. I love Central Park because of the stone work, the bridges, the little nooks you can find, the gorgeous landscape architechture that Olmstead and Vaux put in place there. Up to Belvedere Castle, through the Rambles (daylight only for the Rambles!!!), Shakespeare's Garden...the boat pond, the model boat basin...all of this makes it so much more interesting than Riverside Park.

[Moderate Guy]

Originally Posted by Viralmd

It's very safe, but Central Park is far superior...

As an Upper West Side resident with equidistant access to both parks I've found CP to be leaps and bounds a better park. But I'm thankful for Riverside Park as that helps to keep CP more desirable, less crowded when some folks go there instead of to CP.

[MikefromCT]

Originally Posted by Miles

As an Upper West Side resident with equidistant access to both parks I've found CP to be leaps and bounds a better park. But I'm thankful for Riverside Park as that helps to keep CP more desirable, less crowded when some folks go there instead of to CP.

Funny thing is, I read this used to be a dump with old railroad cars and tracks until Robert Moses cleaned up this area. (I'm trying to read through "The Power Broker right now. Great book, but soooo long!)

Anyway, I thought this might be nice for someone who's looking to get beyond the usual touristy type stuff (which I usually avoid wherever I go.) Again, I love CP but thought it might be time for something new.

[Moderate Guy]

Originally Posted by MikefromCT

Funny thing is, I read this used to be a dump with old railroad cars and tracks until Robert Moses cleaned up this area. (I'm trying to read through "The Power Broker right now. Great book, but soooo long!)

Anyway, I thought this might be nice for someone who's looking to get beyond the usual touristy type stuff (which I usually avoid wherever I go.) Again, I love CP but thought it might be time for something new.

By all means take your date to Riverside Park, take in a view of the Hudson, stroll along, look across to New Jersey's tall buidings. Nothing wrong with that.

I'm not a tourist but my make believe date and I just love CP - former dump or not - for its winding paths, its nooks and crannies, the tennis courts where I/we go to sit and watch a game, the reservoir for a stroll or jog, Belvedere Castle, Shakespeare Theater, the Great Lawn on a nice summer/fall/spring afternoon, Strawberry Fields, the Boathouse, the zoo.

I just love it overall for the fact that I can find crowds if I want to or I can find a little corner to sit and ponder, to meditate and get creative for my artistic pursuits, to bond with Nature in this beautiful oasis unspoiled and untouched by moguls and titans out to expoit and destroy every parcel of Nature were it not for the city fathers of old.

But by all means there's a lot that awaits you in that other park. And if you have a dog, it's a good place to take your date and the dog. Have fun!

[Moderate Guy]

actually I think the theater is called Delacorte but there are usually a lot of Shakespeare plays performed.

[DAS]

There is nothing like walking in Riverside Park when the sun is setting and you gaze across the Hudson river. Central Park is great and has a lot going on all the time. Riverside Park is more quiet and peaceful. Great place to walk for quiet time for yourself.

[jax78]

I really like Riverside Park. It's very peaceful over there. I think it would be a nice change; check out Riverside instead of Central Park since you've been there so many times. I really like it up there!!