Riverside Park

The Daily Plant : Tuesday, May 21, 2002

COLORFUL TILES DECORATE VAN CORTLANDT STADIUM

The stadium at Van Cortlandt Park was filled with screaming kids last Friday for the unveiling of the International Children’s Tile Project. The children, from the Fieldston Lower School and P.S. 100, both in the Bronx, arrived by the busloads for the ceremony.

The International Tile Project was created five years ago by Diane Churchill, an artist who teaches at Fieldston. The project’s purpose is to celebrate the creativity of children and further the cause of global friendship by gathering school children from around the world to create over 1,000 colorful handmade tiles. Besides children from the two Bronx schools, children from the Clayworkers program in Montclair, New Jersey, and an after-school program in Venice, California were involved. International students from as far away as South Africa, Israel, and Mexico contributed to the project as well.

Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe joined Bronx Borough Commissioner Dotty Lewandowski and Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz to unveil the tiles. A beautiful example of the Mexican children’s work, featuring large tiles with pictures of moons, stars, and ancient pyramids, was revealed. The rest of the tiles had already been installed at the stadium and the pool in Van Cortlandt Park. The Metropolitan area students created self-portraits and students from Venice, California made a colorful underwater scene. The tiles are bright and cheerful, complimenting the natural colors of the park surrounding the stadium and pool.

A few hundred children were lucky enough to able to attend the event. Their excitement was clear from the first second they entered (ran into) the stadium. Both school principles took a field trip from school to show their support of this five-year project. When each principle spoke at the podium, he received loud applause and enthusiastic cheers. A young boy and girl from PS 100 sang the National Anthem and students from Fieldston sang a special song that spoke of a community of people working together for a common goal. The highlight of the event was hearing from the founder herself, Diane Churchill. She thanked everyone that had supported her along the way and lead the group to view the colorful tiles.

When the summer heats up, athletes can test their skills at one of these challenging open water swims. Some events require participants to pre-register because eligibility is restricted by age and ability. All proceeds benefit Parks’ Learn to Swim program and the continual cleaning and restoration of New York City’s rivers. For more information, call the Manhattan Island Foundation at (888) NYC-SWIM.

Manhattan Island Marathon Swim – June 23, 2002
Beginning at 6:30 a.m., the 21st annual marathon goes counter-clockwise around Manhattan Island, starting and finishing at South Cove in Battery Park City. Last year, more than 40 swimmers participated in the 28.5 mile swim, and the winning time was 7 hours 49 minutes 46 seconds. Entry fees are $225 and up.

Race for the River – July 21, 2002
From 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., swimmers will race 2.4 miles from Pier 62 in Hudson River Park to North Cove Yacht Harbor at the World Financial Center. Entry fees range from $55 to $90.

Cove to Cove Swim – Sunday, July 21, 2002
The 4th annual 0.5 mile race from the South Cove to the North Cove Marina in Battery Park City will commence at 3:45 p.m. Entry fees range from $30 to $50.

Park to Park Swim – Sunday, August 4, 2002
The third annual Park to Park One Miler will begin at South Cove in Battery Park City and end at Pier 25 in Hudson River Park. Entry fees range from $32.50 to $55.

Great Hudson River Swim – Saturday, August 17, 2002
The sixth annual 2.8 mile swim will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. It begins at the 79th Street Boat Basin and ends in Hudson River Park at Chelsea Piers. Entry fees range from $55 to $95.

Riverside Park Tri Tune-Up Swim – August 17, 2002
The first annual 1.5 K swim commences at 6:45 a.m. in Riverside Park at101st Street. Entry fees range from $30 to $50.

Little Red Lighthouse Swim – Saturday, September 21, 2002
The fifth annual 7.8 mile swim begins at 3:00 p.m., running from the George Washington Bridge to Hudson River Park at Chelsea Piers. Entry fees range from $60 to $100.

"Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat."

F. Scott Fitzgerald
(1896-1940)

Know Before You Go

Riverside Park

West 79th Street Boat Basin

Riverside Park (79th Street)