On September 5th, 2017, Riverbank State Park was renamed in honor of Jamaican-American Assemblyman Herman "Denny" Farrell to Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park after his 42 years of public service to the community.
Herman "Denny" Farrell was born on February 4, 1932, in Manhattan, New York, to parents who immigrated from Jamaica and the U.S. Canal Zone. He graduated from George Washington High School and attended New York University. His political career began when he worked for Mayor John Lindsay in the Washington Heights office. In 1970, he was elected a Democratic state committeeman; for three years he was elected district leader and a year later he began his long tenure as an Assemblyman representing a district that included Harlem and Washington Heights. He was re-elected 21 times to this post. In this capacity, he earned the respect of political leaders beyond the state and later was a member of the Democratic National Committee.
Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park is the only park of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Inspired by urban rooftop designs in Japan, this 28-acre multi-level landscaped recreational facility is a state-of-the-art park facility. Rising 69 feet above the Hudson River, Riverbank offers a wide variety of recreational, athletic and arts experiences for all ages, interests and abilities.
Housed in five major buildings are an Olympic-size pool, a covered skating rink for roller skating in the summer and ice-skating in the winter, an 800-seat cultural theater, a 2,500-seat athletic complex with fitness room, and a 150-seat restaurant.
Outdoor sports amenities include a 25-yard lap pool, a wading pool, four tennis courts, four basketball courts, a softball field, four hand/paddleball courts, and a 400-meter eight-lane running track with a football/soccer field.
Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park also boasts spectacular promenade views of the Hudson River, the Palisades and the George Washington Bridge, two playgrounds, a water splashing area and a number of picnic areas. At water level, there is a 400-seat amphitheater and docking facilities for excursion and fishing boats.
Video: September 2, 2017- Governor Andrew Cuomo announces dedication of Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park
