Long-Neglected West Harlem Park Getting $3.25M Revival

HARLEM, NY — A long-neglected stretch of Riverside Park in West Harlem will undergo a major restoration as part of a new $3.25 million initiative, officials said this week.

The Riverside Park Conservancy will lead the three-year project to restore 7.5 acres of forest between West 143rd and 153rd streets, in partnership with the Natural Areas Conservancy and NYC Parks.

The work will focus on removing invasive species, clearing debris, stabilizing slopes and planting native trees and shrubs to improve the forest’s health and climate resilience. The work will be funded by Treebed LLC.

"This investment from Treebed LLC is allowing us to restore a severely degraded woodland in West Harlem while also showing what it looks like when public agencies, philanthropy, and community members come together to care for living infrastructure," Merritt Birnbaum, president and CEO of Riverside Park Conservancy, said.

The site has suffered decades of environmental stress due to its proximity to the Henry Hudson Parkway, nearby train tracks and a wastewater treatment plant, and organizers say the project will not only restore the ecosystem but also reconnect the surrounding neighborhood to the space.

Volunteer efforts and public programming will be part of the restoration, building on past initiatives like the Conservancy’s goat-led brush clearing.

"Our tree canopy plays an essential role in keeping our city livable and resilient – it cleans our air, cools our city, collects stormwater, and so much more," NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura said.

"This project will address a difficult-to-reach forested area that has been challenging to care for on a regular basis, ensuring that all segments of our urban forest are getting the attention they deserve."

A public kickoff event is set for April 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Riverbank Playground.

For questions, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.