BACKGROUND
Access to 3 boroughs: The two islands, combined in 1960, have been connected by the RFK Bridge or Triboro Bridge, to Manhattan, the South Bronx, and Astoria Queens since 1936. While automotive access has been in place since 1936 from 3 boroughs, Randall’s Island is only accessible via public transport from one single borough, Manhattan, via a single bus line, M35 bus.
This centrally located island has experienced a number of major heavy investments in the last few decades – often spearheaded by Randall’s Island Park Alliance (RIPA).
While we applaud the City’s investments on the island over the last few decades, we are writing to highlight that such development is not complete until the public have greater access to the island.
The island now provides access to
SPORTS
- Icahn Stadium,
- John McEnroe Tennis Academy,
- 60+ athletic fields for baseball and soccer,
- golf
- access for fishing
PLAY
- Children’s Playgrounds,
- Wetland and salt marsh!
- Native garden
- Urban farms
SEASONAL VENUES
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
- Fire Academy
- Police Bureau
- Manhattan Psychiatric Hospital
- Water treatment facility
SOCIAL SERVICES
- Clark Thomas shelters
- Odyssey house
TEMPORARY RESIDENTS
- Asylum Seekers