Discover the allure of 'Rio Manhattan,' an unrecognized yet adored water park in the heart of Washington Heights, attracting a multitude of locals.
In the heart of Washington Heights, a unique and unexpected recreational space has emerged, capturing the attention of New Yorkers and social media users alike. This summer, a "river" called Rio Manhattan was created on the island itself, and it has since gone viral.
The water from a fire hydrant is directed into a traffic barrel, creating a stream that flows down a sloping bike lane. This makeshift lazy river has become a popular spot for the local community, especially on hot days. Kids can be seen cooling down and playing in the water, turning the roadside into a kind of splash park.
Rio Manhattan was the brainchild of Alex Rolon, a 45-year-old resident. For the past two months, he has been opening a fire hydrant next to a bike lane at 188th Street and Laurel Hill Terrace. The installation has attracted dozens of people from the neighborhood and beyond, transforming the area into a lively and refreshing oasis.
The person who installed the stream by opening a fire extinguisher near a bike lane remains unnamed in available information. However, Rolon stated that the creation of Rio Manhattan was organic, with everyone playing a part in it.
Rio Manhattan is located near Highbridge Park, and the videos of this DIY water feature have racked up tens of millions of views on social media. As a result, Rolon has become a "city summer influencer."
It's important to note that New York City has three main rivers: the East, the Harlem, and the Hudson. However, Rio Manhattan is not around Manhattan but on the island itself. This creative solution to beat the heat has not only provided a fun and refreshing space for the community but also sparked a sense of unity and creativity.
As the summer continues, it's likely that Rio Manhattan will continue to be a beloved and vibrant part of the Washington Heights community.
