River Run Playground is a 0.70-acre site located in Riverside Park at West 83rd Street and Riverside Drive in Manhattan. The redesign transforms the outdated playground into an inclusive, nature-inspired destination that reflects its historic park setting. Originally constructed in 1935, the playground exhibits substantial deterioration and is non-compliant with current accessibility standards. Guided by community input through visioning sessions, the redesign creates an accessible, engaging, and landscape-rich play environment inspired by the Riverside Park setting. The plan preserves mature trees, expands planted areas, and organizes the playground into distinct 2–5 and 5–12 zones with climbing, sliding, balancing elements, seesaws, and elevated play accessible by an ADA-compliant ramp. The new design accommodates on-site stormwater management consistent with NYC DEP’s Unified Stormwater requirements.

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A defining feature of the redesign is the reconstruction of the outdated “river” runnel as an interactive water element with two small crossing bridges, flowing from an enhanced spray plaza framed by boulder seating to create playful exploration while maintaining the playground’s signature character. The iconic sculptural sandbox by artist Gerry Augustine Lynas is also preserved and incorporated into the new design. Site-wide upgrades include continuous backed benches with companion seating, shaded seat boulders, a lowered four-foot perimeter fence, accessible drinking fountains, bicycle and scooter racks, pedestrian-level security lighting, trash receptacles, and two picnic areas.