MANHATTAN — For generations of New Yorkers, summer in Upper Manhattan has meant long afternoons at Riverbank State Park — children splashing in the Olympic-sized pool, seniors gathering for exercise classes, families enjoying free concerts overlooking the Hudson River, and young people finding safe, affordable places to play, learn and grow.
But behind every clean locker room, freshly painted pool deck, community garden plot, summer camp program and cultural event are the dedicated CSEA members who keep one of New York state’s most unique parks running day after day.
Standing beside Riverbank’s new outdoor performance stage overlooking the Hudson River, Alejandro Beasley, a CSEA member and assistant supervisor in the park’s Cultural Department, described the pride workers take in preparing for the summer season.
“We want the people to have an experience,” said Beasley. “We want to try to give them the best experience they can have without having to go downtown or travel somewhere else.”
For CSEA members, the mission goes beyond maintenance. It is about creating opportunities for neighborhood families.
“This stage; we look at it as our brand-new baby,” said Beasley. “We take pride in it, and we want to share it with everybody. The view is amazing and it’s free for the community.”
Programs popular and affordable
Inside Riverbank’s athletic facilities, CSEA member Saida Fogler, assistant supervisor in the Athletics Department, helps oversee programs, including tennis, karate, yoga, pickleball, baseball and basketball, for residents of all ages.
“The classes are very, very popular,” said Fogler. “People are looking for affordable programs and safe places for their families.”
Many senior programs are free, while youth and adult classes remain affordable.
“It keeps people going,” said Fogler. “Especially the seniors — they enjoy coming out, being with their peers, staying active and moving their bodies.”
Fogler said Riverbank gives young people a safe place to gather.
“It’s a place to come and get off the street, have fun and be in a safe environment,” said Fogler.
New experiences
That family atmosphere extends to Riverbank’s popular summer camp programs, where CSEA member Kahlei Estelle, a parks and recreation aide 3, helps supervise hundreds of children.
The five-week camp serves children ages 7 to 12 and includes sports, environmental education, outdoor recreation and trips to other state parks.
“We give them an opportunity to meet new people, try different things and experience things they may have never done before,” said Estelle.
The program’s affordability is critical for working families struggling with rising costs.
“I think this is the whole package at a discount,” said Estelle. “Everything you would get at another camp, you get here at a really good price.”
Workers also maintain spaces that connect urban residents to nature.
Riverbank’s community garden includes more than 50 plots assigned through a lottery system because of strong demand.
“Families come here together,” Beasley said. “A lot of people bring their kids and show them a little bit of nature.”
Riverbank’s pools also rely heavily on the expertise of CSEA members.
Juste Mandimy, a filter plant operator and CSEA member, helps prepare the aquatic facilities for summer crowds by repairing equipment, maintaining accessibility features and ensuring the pools remain safe.
“I feel very proud to work here,” said Mandimy. “We prepare everything so Harlem residents can have an enjoyable summer.”
On busy days, hundreds of people fill the pool complex, especially during heat waves when many city residents cannot afford vacations or private clubs.
“Things are expensive,” said Mandimy. “At least here, people can come and enjoy themselves at a low cost.”
That commitment drives workers like Alfonso Batista, who helps maintain Riverbank’s facilities and infrastructure.
“We spare no effort in maintaining the infrastructure to ensure visitors have a pleasant stay,” Batista said. “First impressions matter. People come expecting a fresh, beautiful environment, and we want to give them the very best.”
— David Galarza
