Randall’s Island Park Alliance

Randall’s Island lies directly between East Harlem and the South Bronx—two communities that are well above the citywide mean for instances of obesity, diabetes, and asthma.

Both communities also fall below the citywide mean for regular physical activity, as well as below the New Yorkers for Parks’ recommendation that residents of these communities take advantage of Randall’s Island Park, citing its sports fields, pathways, and free community programming as amenities. Although community members have a strong interest in the park, there are still perceived barriers that keep them from accessing it. In response to community feedback, Randall’s Island Park Alliance (RIPA) created its first public programs department and has seen an increase in the park’s usage. In 2017, NYHealth awarded RIPA a grant to expand its free community programming, with an emphasis on increasing physical activity and nutrition education opportunities to engage residents of East Harlem and the South Bronx.

Under this grant, RIPA promoted the health of East Harlem and South Bronx residents by creating, expanding, and refining free community events and workshops, such as walking tours and exercise classes. To increase residents’ use of the park, RIPA doubled the number of physical activity programs and increased the hours of operation of the park’s urban farm, which offers workshops on nutrition, cooking, and other healthy food topics. In addition, RIPA encouraged more children to use the park through the expansion of the urban farm education program and increased participation in the Jesse Owens Track & Field Club. RIPA periodically evaluated the project through outreach and data collection, which helped it refine and adjust the free programs offered by Randall’s Island to better fit the needs and desires of East Harlem and South Bronx residents.

Read more about how East Harlem residents are engaging in healthy activities on Randall’s Island and in their community.