Community News

A NEW ADDITION TO THE PARK

Being that Riverbank State park is a highly visited park with many amenities, some parts of the park are used more than others. With that being said, the basketball and soccer courts are the main sections used through out the day and year. So on my last visit to Riverbank, which was 2 weeks ago, I couldn't help but notice that additional basketball courts were added along with the remodeling of the old ones.

The new courts were added side by side to the previous ones there, now allowing more people to participate in a friendly game of basketball. In the old courts, new floors were added along with new nets and backboards. But to add a final touch, new greens were planted surrounding the ends of the courts for a more spring feel and polished look.

It was immediately obvious how affective the new additions to the park were welcomed. From all the years I've visited Riverbank, I have never seen so many people participating in the basketball courts, even less stay around to watch while they sat by the grass. I can honestly say that the improvements will only help grow and unite the community even more now that the main sport played has grown through out the park.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

Like every year, this years special Olympics will be held Saturday, June 5th at 4 p.m. in Riverbank State park for the 14th time in a row. All 5 boroughs, Long Island and Hudson Valley will come together once again to compete in Aquatics, Basketball, Track & Field, Volleyball and Power Lifting. In addition, there will be music, carnival games, arts and crafts.

This tournament is a regional level competition, meaning that all 1,000 athletes competing here will be able to go on to the statewide Summer Games at Hofstra University June 17 to 20.

The great thing about this tournament, aside from it being the largest Special Olympics competition of the year in New York City, is that it is free of charge and open to everyone and anyone. The athletes themselves don't have to pay anything at all, making it easier on their families. This means that the year round sports training will be of no cost to anyone. This competition also enables these kids AND adults with mental retardation to have every kind of sports opportunity available to them.

For something that has been running since 1970, it is an honor to say that MY community is involved with the lives of others in need. While sponsors provide the materials needed for the athletes, my community provides the encouragement and support on their big day. Not too shabby for a community in Harlem...

THE TOTALLY KID CAROUSEL

In 1998, Milo Mottola and the children from the neighborhood came together as a team for the creation of something uniquely imaginative for the park. These elementary school children were asked to draw their favorite animals, real or imaginative. From the thousands of drawings submitted, 38 were picked. Mottola took these designs and transformed them in 3D animals and mounted them on to a carousel, making them come to life.

So now that the warm weather is finally here, the Totally Kid Carousel is now back in session for the end of Spring and the rest of the Summer. Families are now able to come and join the Riverbank staff to witness the great contribution made for the pure enjoyment of the kids, which has now truly become one the main center piece of the park. The kids can enjoy riding these creative creatures, while enjoying the original drawings mounted around the carousel.

SHAKESPEARE BY THE RIVER

Riverbank State park holds many events during the summer that attract people to park for a nice day of free entertainment. But for the first time ever, Riverbank will be welcoming the Pulse Ensemble Theater for a presentation of the Shakespearean play "The Temptress." So, from August 2nd-26th, people of all ages will be able to come and witness the magic of Shakespeare in the night sky.

Riverbank State Park, is a highly visited park, I think it is a wonderful idea for Riverbank community to take part in something that will attract an older crowd of people. Since the majority of the events organized in Riverbank aim at the younger kids, Teens and adults will now be able to participate in something entertaining aside from all the music performances during the rest of the summer. I truly believe this is an event that will educate and distract the younger one's, while their parents sit back, and enjoy the show.

RESTRICTIONS AT RIVERBANK

Ever since i could remember, Riverbank Park has always been very strict when it comes to their rules. Now more than ever, their rules on No Dogs and No Bikes are being enforced.

I remember walking to the park with my dog, a few summers ago. The second I reached the entrance, I was immediately stopped by one of the park officials. "Sorry ma'am, but no dogs allowed in the Park." Yea I was bummed, but it is no wonder why any kinds of pets are not allowed. Considering where we live, not everyone picks up after themselves. So to have people bringing their dogs to the park brings the risk of people getting lazy and not picking up after their pets. People obviously have a hard time doing this when they come to have a picnic, so why add an extra burden to the park staff, and the daily visitors. The park's image must be kept to a t.

As for the No Bikes rule, safety is obviously a main concern. Scooters and Skateboards are also included. Park officials want to rule out any chance of serious injury.

With all the kinds of sports activities occurring and people visiting, having bikes would be a hassle. Instead, I think people should be content with the exception of Roller skates. They are, small, convenient, and wont get in they way of people on crowded days. But to partake in this activity, you must have the appropriate gear for safety, unless you're in the skating rink.

SUMMER CAMP IS IN SESSION!

Enrollment for the Riverbank Summer Camp is finally here! Children of ages 5-15 will be able to embark on a 1 1/2 month journey with the Riverbank staff, and kids from around the community, starting July.

Every summer, over 300 kids participate in daily activities that not only they enjoy, but educate them in certain areas. The kids will have the privilege of using the amenities in the park. Little tournaments will be set up for them in the basketball courts, swimming lessons will be given to those who can't swim while the others play by the pool side. Arts and crafts activities are also done, allowing the kids to be creative while interacting with others in relaxing environment. Along with this, the kids also go on frequent field trips with their fellow friends.

At the end of the year, parents will be invited for a big theater performance put together by the staff and kids. From acting, dancing, singing, and poetry, the parents will be able to see all that their kids have learned over the past couple of weeks.

I can honestly say that the Summer Camp at Riverbank is truly an amazing experience. I can still remember when I attend camp years ago and finally learned how to swim. Friendships were definitely formed, and my passion for dance was discovered. All this and more can be experience by other kids and their parents. So instead of just sitting at home during the summer, its best to be involved in something constructive. So parents, move quick...spots fill up fast!