Neighborhood Spotlight: Riverbank State Park, The Gem of the Hudson

Hey all, it’s been quite some time since we’ve been able to bring you a neighborhood spotlight, but this field is just so over the top with good qualities we couldn’t pass up the opportunity.

So without further ado, introducing Riverbank State Park!

Riverbank State Park was originally designed to mirror Japanese urban rooftop designs, making it a one-of-a-kind facility in the city.

Before we get to the pitch itself, we just have to touch on the depth of offerings Riverbank has beyond just soccer.

The facility includes an olympic sized pool, an 800 seat theater, a 2,500 seat athletic complex, an ice rink in the winter that doubles as a roller rink in the summer, playgrounds for kids, four tennis courts, four paddleball courts, four basketball courts, an educational greenhouse (for all of you who continue, despite your best efforts, to kill your houseplants), a softball field, a running track, a carousel, an amazing bar and restaurant, and all of it with a spectacular view of the Hudson River and the Palisades.

It’s the first time that we’ve been able to run a league here at Riverbank, and so we want to make sure you’ve got everything you need so that you feel like even though it’s your first time, that you’re well situated.

The Field:

The most important detail of any league you play in is the pitch. How’s the turf? what are the sidelines like? Are there bleachers for your adoring fans?

Riverbank has you covered on all fronts.

The field is a regulation, 11v11 sized pitch, surrounded by a running track, so you don’t have to worry about any walls or fences, just the occasional incensed jogger, but that’s NYC up and down anyways.

The turf was recently redone so you can expect a flat, even, experience when you’re playing. Unfortunately that means you’ll have to wait a few years to be able to reliably blame your mistakes on the field.

Since we’re running both 11v11 and 7v7 leagues here, you can expect fields of different sizes, 11v11 running the length of the entire field, and 7v7 splitting the field into two halves for a more reasonable game size given the numbers.

Plus, there are places for friends and fans alike to sit all around the facility.

The Neighborhood:

The footbridge to Riverbank State Park comes right off of 145th street and Riverside Drive. If you walk just a little bit further into Manhattan (read: one block), you’ll find an area full of bars, restaurants, and life.

Or if you’d rather, you can stick to the edge on Riverside Park, enjoy the green trees, open spaces, and long bike path that can take you all the way up and down the island.

As is the format, we’ll give you our three top recommendations for after game watering holes, but this is a great area to explore around it.

Harlem Public:

Something about Harlem Public’s “Do Work, Sip Brews” resonates with us. And as it turns out, it resonates with their 60k+ followers on Instagram too.

Between their classic American fare, a great and shifting craft beer selection, tons of specials throughout the week, and heaps of charisma and charm, you can go wrong here, but if you do it’s probably on you.

Sofrito:

If you, like I am, are a person of class and taste and all you want from like is a good margarita within walking distance from your soccer field, well you’re in luck.

Not only is Sofrito inside of the Riverbank park facility and stocked to handle all your margarita desires, they also are known for some incredible Puerto Rican food.

If you’re looking for the perfect balance of convenience and choice, with outdoor seating and even a little snack bar on the side if all you want is a bite on your way back home, this is it.

Hamilton’s:

If you’re looking for something that hits right in the middle, Hamilton’s is it.

Your cozy daytime cafe that becomes a relaxed bar with live jazz at night, and only 3 blocks away from the field (and only one away from the subway), Hamilton’s is great on any day of the week at any time.

The space is warm, open, and inviting and so are the staff. If you’re looking for somewhere to rest your legs and have some drinks and some laughs with your teammates after the game, Hamilton’s is great.

How To Get There:

Subway: The 1 train will let you off at 145th street, which is exactly one block from the facility. Just three blocks beyond that, the A, B, C, and D trains all stop at 145th street as well. So traveling by train is by far your best bet.

Bike: Biking up the Hudson River is honestly one of the most pleasurable and calming experiences NYC has to offer. Not to mention, if you work in midtown it’s only a 30 minute ride, which is going to be faster than any taxi. There

Sadly, there aren’t any ferry stops near by.

This is all we’ve got for you today! Stay tuned for the next spotlight!