THE HARLEM RIVER VALLEY RECREATION AREA
>>>>>A SYMPOSIUM
“The Harlem River is a tremendous, yet underutilized resource... I strongly support all efforts to revitalize the river.” - Borough President Adolfo Carrion Jr.
Could the Harlem River Valley become New York City’s Venice, a diverse recreation area bigger than Central Park? Cy A Adler, President of Shorewalkers Inc., along with other New York park lovers, thinks so. On Friday, September 19th, 2008, Shorewalkers Inc, an environmental and walking group, is co-hosting a symposium on THE HARLEM RIVER VALLEY RECREATION AREA (HRVRA) at Roberto Clemente State Park from noon to 3pm. Representatives from Governor David Paterson’s office and other city and state officials will be attending.
Adler and other Shorewalker leaders have been exploring Harlem River’s unique shores for over 25 years. These expeditions have inspired the current proposal for the HRVRA which would bring enrich and beautify Manhattan and the Bronx. The vision is to transform the Harlem River into a 6-mile long water spine surrounded by more than a dozen existing parks, playgrounds, campuses and historic sites, all connected by walking and biking greenways. Ferries would move people along the Bronx and Manhattan shores; kayakers, scullers and row-boaters would dip their oars in the salty Harlem waters.
“This park is a wonderful way to improve city life and the city’s environment. It would help to open neglected parts of New York City’s waterfront.” - Congressman Eliot Engel
“Parks, campuses and stadiums will line the 250-acre tidal waterway,” says Adler, author of WALKING MANHATTAN’S RIM: THE GREAT SAUNTER. His book describes the 32-mile NY Island waterfront including the six miles along the Harlem River. Shorewalkers have brought tens of thousands of walking visitors to the Harlem River and have taken them, among other places, under the elegant Highbridge, NYC’s oldest standing bridge. In 2007, Shorewalkers created a four-color map of the HRV with details of the region.
Thirteen bridges straddle the six-mile long waterway of Harlem River which separates and links New York Island and the Bronx. The Highbridge, The Jumel Mansion, The Yankee Stadium, Yeshiva University, Bronx Community College, Columbia University's playing fields, and The Hall of Fame are among the many fascinating attractions and sites along the watershed.
The HRVRA would stretch between 126th Street and Spuyten Dyvil, forming a much needed green space for all of New York City. Not only would it preserve natural beauty, it would also promote tourism and development throughout the area.
Congressman Charles Rangel summed up the project: “It’s a great idea.”