When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Riverbank State Park Outdoor Running Track
Why Riverbank State Park Outdoor Running Track is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Riverbank State Park Outdoor Running Track offers an exceptional running experience set atop a unique 28-acre multi-level recreational facility overlooking the Hudson River. This outdoor, quarter-mile, eight-lane track surrounds a pristine football/soccer field, providing joggers with ample space to train without overcrowding. The park is open daily from 6am to 11pm, allowing flexibility for early morning or evening runs. Beyond the track, runners can take advantage of stunning riverside views and the park’s elevated location provides fresh air and gorgeous sky vistas, enhancing the running experience. The facility supports convenience with available indoor restrooms, changing rooms, water fountains, and bag drop areas, making it a practical choice for a workout meeting spot. The park’s design draws inspiration from rooftop urban spaces in Japan, making it a rare and vibrant athletic destination high above the city bustle. Alongside running, athletes can enjoy other amenities including tennis courts, basketball courts, swimming pools, and cultural facilities, making Riverbank State Park a great all-around place to gather with friends for fitness and social time.
Here's what people think of Riverbank State Park Outdoor Running Track
As of recent, Riverbank State Park Outdoor Running Track holds a 4.5-star rating based on 42 reviews.
Visitors appreciate Riverbank State Park Outdoor Running Track for its beautiful setting and well-maintained facilities. Positive reviews commonly praise the park's scenic views of the Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge, which provide a motivating backdrop for running or exercising. Users also highlight the track’s spaciousness, availability almost any time of day, and the convenience of amenities like restrooms, water fountains, and changing rooms. Many mention that the track's outdoor environment is refreshing compared to crowded city sidewalks, and it’s a favorite spot for both casual joggers and marathon trainers.
On the other hand, some reviewers note occasional less pleasant odors due to the park’s location atop a sewage treatment plant, but also acknowledge that the river breeze often mitigates this issue. Others mention the track can get busy in the evenings, though it rarely feels overcrowded during other times.
Overall, the reviews conclude that Riverbank State Park Outdoor Running Track is a valuable urban athletic resource combining scenic beauty with practical amenities. It remains a popular choice for individuals and groups seeking a reliable, refreshing, and well-equipped outdoor running venue in New York City.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
David Brown
A really great outdoor track. The track surface is nice and there are floodlights in the evening. On the weekends it can get busy with soccer players on the green. Ive never felt like Im constantly trying to avoid other people on the track.
Desikan Jayaram
Must visit facility for runners living near Riverside Park. Flood lights in evening times are useful. Do checkout if you are around the neighborhood. A small part of a track is under maintenance (first week of Nov '22), still very much usable.
Mikael Short
Love heading over to the track for a good walk/jog! It was under construction over the summer, and the update is beautiful and feels super supportive of joints. Note that no cleats are allowed.
Laurie Dapice
Fantastic new track to excercise around!
Jazmine Martinez
Was looking forward to running at the track and lo and behold when I arrived, track under construction. Would be nice if there was some sort of notice posted somewhere indicating so.
How to reach Riverbank State Park Outdoor Running Track
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Why Riverbank State Park Outdoor Running Track may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Riverbank State Park Outdoor Running Track with your friends?
Gathering friends at the Riverbank State Park Outdoor Running Track is an excellent choice for a dynamic and refreshing meetup that combines fitness, socializing, and spectacular natural views. This venue offers a unique atmosphere atop Manhattan's Hudson River, elevated 69 feet above the water on a landscaped rooftop of the North River Sewage Treatment Plant. The track has earned a solid 4.5-star rating from 42 reviews, reflecting its popularity and positive community reception. Meeting here means more than just running; it’s about taking advantage of a multifaceted recreational facility surrounded by sweeping views of the river, Palisade Mountains, and the George Washington Bridge, which can make any group event visually inspiring. The park’s clean, well-maintained environment ensures that your meetup is comfortable, with indoor bathrooms, changing facilities, water fountains, and even a convenient bag drop area, providing convenience that supports longer group gatherings. Whether your friends are casual joggers, competitive runners, or simply supporters looking to enjoy nearby amenities, the welcoming vibe of this park encourages everyone to engage, cheer, and bond while sharing healthy, invigorating experiences.
What activities can you do at Riverbank State Park Outdoor Running Track?
At the heart of Riverbank State Park is the outdoor 400-meter, eight-lane running track, perfect for group running sessions, relay races, or interval training. The track offers enough space and lanes for multiple friends to run in parallel or compete in friendly races, making it ideal for both serious runners and beginners. Surrounding the track is a football/soccer field, providing an excellent setting for team sports gatherings—from casual pick-up soccer games to structured practice sessions. For those who want to mix physical exertion with social fun, playing soccer or football doubles as a fantastic group activity advocating team spirit and collaboration. Beyond running and sports fields, the larger Riverbank State Park complex includes an array of other athletic options nearby: tennis courts, basketball courts, four hand/paddleball courts, and a softball field, meaning that your meetup can seamlessly incorporate different sports or even small tournaments. The availability of multiple sport types ensures that regardless of interests or fitness levels, everyone in your group will find something enjoyable to do. The diverse activity options can help cultivate friendly competition, group cohesion, and an overall active, joyful experience.
Why is Riverbank State Park Outdoor Running Track perfect for a group meetup?
Riverbank State Park’s design and amenities create an outstanding environment for group meetups owing to its thoughtful combination of recreational infrastructure and social spaces. With indoor bathrooms and changing rooms adjacent to the track, your group can comfortably prepare before running and freshen up afterward, removing typical outdoor meetup inconveniences. Ample space around the track allows for friendly socializing or resting between activities without crowding, which is great for larger groups. The presence of a 150-seat restaurant within the park’s buildings offers a convenient and inviting spot for post-exercise meals or casual hangouts, enabling groups to extend their gathering time with food and relaxation while enjoying scenic river views. Additionally, the park’s picnic areas and playgrounds provide quieter spaces where families with children can blend playtime with adult conversations, making it a suitable venue for mixed-age gatherings. The lush rooftop garden design inspired by Japanese green rooftops adds serene greenery that contributes to a calm but energized atmosphere. This balance between physical activity areas and restful social spots means Riverbank State Park supports both energetic engagement and meaningful connection, making your group meetup not only enjoyable but memorable.
How accessible and convenient is Riverbank State Park Outdoor Running Track for group events?
The Riverbank State Park Outdoor Running Track is extremely accessible and well-equipped, facilitating smooth group meetups from arrival to departure. Located on the Henry Hudson Parkway between 137th and 145th Streets in Upper Manhattan, the track is easy to reach through the West 138th Street entrance via a bridge over the park’s structural rooftop. This clear access route simplifies navigation for groups arriving by car, public transportation, or even on foot. Inside the facility area, practical amenities such as water fountains keep everyone hydrated during physical activities, which is particularly important when hosting energetic groups. The ability to leave bags safely on the side of the track adds security and convenience, freeing participants from carrying belongings while exercising or playing sports. The indoor bathrooms and changing rooms adjacent to the track provide a comfortable environment for participants to change clothes or freshen up, making the venue suitable for longer visits or multiple sequential activities. Altogether, these features and the park’s thoughtful design ensure that hosting a group meetup at the Riverbank running track is straightforward, comfortable, and hassle-free.
What other unique features and amenities enhance the group experience at Riverbank State Park?
Riverbank State Park is not just about the running track; it offers a holistic recreational and cultural experience that enriches group visits with unique amenities and facilities. Inside the park, there is a well-regarded Olympic-size 50-meter indoor swimming pool that accommodates lap swimming year-round, an attractive option for groups interested in aquatic fitness or relaxation after outdoor activity. The park also houses a covered skating rink used for roller skating in warm seasons and ice skating in winter, providing exciting seasonal activities for groups seeking variety. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy the extensive basketball and tennis courts, and the inclusion of four hand/paddleball courts supports less common but equally engaging racquet sports. Cultural offerings such as an 800-seat theater bring arts and entertainment into play, allowing groups to combine their athletic meetup with live performances or community events hosted there. The beautiful promenade views of the Hudson River and the well-maintained landscaping inspired by green rooftop design principles also contribute a scenic backdrop that elevates the social atmosphere and invites leisurely strolls or photo opportunities. Finally, special features like the Totally Kid Carousel and multiple playgrounds make the park family-friendly, appealing to groups with children who want to blend active play with adult interaction. This diversity of amenities ensures that every group gathering can be customized to fit multiple interests and energy levels, making Riverbank State Park a highly versatile venue.
How does the community and atmosphere at Riverbank State Park enhance a meetup?
Riverbank State Park is widely recognized as a vibrant community hub that fosters social equity and environmental justice through its inclusive programming and facilities. The park’s array of free or affordable outdoor and indoor activities attracts a diverse mix of residents and visitors, fostering a welcoming atmosphere where all ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels come together. This communal spirit encourages group meetups to feel part of a larger social fabric, where people support each other’s athletic and recreational goals. The park regularly hosts special events and cultural programs, which provide your group with opportunities to participate in local festivities, live music, and educational activities, enhancing any gathering beyond just physical exercise. The park’s clean, green spaces and amenities encourage positive social interaction and relaxation, so groups can easily transition from active play to casual hangouts. In essence, the park’s atmosphere is one of inclusivity, energy, and community pride, making meetups here feel more fulfilling and connected with the wider neighborhood culture.
What should group organizers know about planning a meetup at Riverbank State Park Outdoor Running Track?
When planning a group meetup at Riverbank State Park Outdoor Running Track, organizers should consider several practical details to ensure a smooth and enjoyable event. First, it is advisable to arrive early or coordinate meeting times carefully because the track and park facilities are popular, especially on weekends and pleasant weather days. Although the park offers ample amenities like indoor restrooms, changing rooms, water fountains, and bag drop areas, groups should remind participants to bring appropriate gear such as running shoes, hydration bottles, and comfortable sportswear suitable for the season. If planning activities beyond running—such as soccer, basketball, or tennis—booking courts or fields in advance may be necessary to secure space for larger groups. Additionally, those intending to use the restaurant or picnic areas for meals should consider reservations or pack their own food to enhance convenience. Organizers should also communicate access details clearly, especially for guests unfamiliar with the park’s unique rooftop location accessed from West 138th Street. Preparing for inclement weather by checking forecasts and having a rain plan will help maximize enjoyment regardless of changing conditions. With a little preparation, meetups here can run smoothly and become a regular, highlight gathering spot for friends and family.
Why do reviews praise Riverbank State Park Outdoor Running Track as a meetup location?
The 4.5-star rating from 42 reviews reflects consistently positive visitor experiences at this venue. Reviewers commonly praise the well-maintained running track and the abundance of activities available for people of all ages and athletic abilities, highlighting the park’s versatility. Many express appreciation for the spectacular views overlooking the Hudson River, creating an inspiring and relaxing environment that elevates potential meetups. The availability of clean, accessible facilities such as restrooms, changing rooms, and water stations earns repeated commendations for supporting comfort during extended visits. Reviewers also note the park’s unique multi-layered design and its urban rooftop setting as fascinating and refreshing compared to typical city parks, contributing to a sense of novelty and pride. The park’s inclusive atmosphere and community-oriented programming help groups feel secure, welcomed, and entertained, resulting in memorable shared experiences. This positive feedback from a broad user base — runners, families, sports teams, and cultural visitors alike — confirms that Riverbank State Park Outdoor Running Track is a highly recommended and dependable spot for group gatherings.