About Us

About The Alliance

Our Mission

The Randall’s Island Park Alliance, Inc. (RIPA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works with the City of New York and local communities to provide an innovative and exciting destination through a wide range of sports venues, cultural events and environmental exploration.

As the dedicated steward of Randall’s Island Park, the Alliance sustains, maintains, develops and programs the Park to support the wellbeing of all New Yorkers.

RIPA is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment for employees and partners while working together as an organization to cohesively fulfill RIPA’s mission.

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Our Impact

The Randall’s Island Park Alliance (RIPA) is the proud steward of the beautiful Randall’s Island Park, which is uniquely situation between three boroughs – Manhattan, the Bronx and Queens. For over 30 years, RIPA has worked in partnership with the City and the Parks Department to restore, maintain, sustain, develop, manage and program Randall’s Island Park as a place for all New Yorkers to enjoy.

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Acres of wetlands

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Wildlife Species

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lbs. of harvested produce

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Native Plant Species

ADA-accessible raised beds on the farm

Premium Tennis Courts

Green Streets

Leadership

Our dedicated Board of Trustees and staff are committed to keeping Randall’s Island a vibrant park where visitors experience a community that values engagement, educational initiatives, healthy lifestyles, and recreational enjoyment.

Deborah Maher

President

Nicole Galasso

Chief of Staff

Peter Hunter

Chief of Operations

David Salerno

Randall's Island Park Administrator

Anne Wilson

Chief of Planning

Kathleen Riegelhaupt

Chief Development Officer

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Historic
Milestones

The many islands of New York City have a rich and colorful past. Randall’s Island is no different. Today it is primarily a green oasis, but it was not always a park.

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1637

Dutch Governor Wouter Van Twiller purchases Randall’s Island, then known as Minnahanonck, and Wards Island, then known as Tenkenas, from the Native Americans. During this time the islands are mainly used for farming – Randall’s Island becomes known as Little Barn Island and Wards Island is named Big Barn Island.

1772

Captain John Montresor, a prominent engineer in the British military, purchases and settles upon Randall’s Island, or as it is known then Little Barn Island. Montresor changes the name of the island to Montresor’s Island. The British later use the island to launch amphibious attacks on Manhattan during the Revolutionary War.

1835

The City of New York purchases Randall’s Island for $60,000 from the heirs of Jonathan Randel.

1929

The City of New York begins construction of the Triborough Bridge, designed by Othmar Amman. The bridge becomes an engineering marvel spanning 17 miles.

1970

Randall’s Island hosts the 1970 New York Pop festival that features musical legends such as Eric Clapton, Joe Cocker, Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix, Jethro Tull, Van Morrison and more.

1975

Global soccer icon Pelé makes his New York Cosmos debut at Downing Stadium. The soccer star played on Randall’s Island until 1977.

1992

Randall’s Island Park Alliance (RIPA) is formed to restore and care for Randall’s Island Park. Since it’s inception, RIPA has worked with New York City to build numerous new fields and facilities while also restoring acres of wetlands, shoreline, and miles of waterfront pathways.

2005

Icahn Stadium opens. The $42 million track & field complex– built through public and private funding, with a final $10 million gift from RISF Trustee and New York City financier Carl Icahn — meets International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) specifications for track & field events including Olympic training and trials.

2024

Icahn Stadium Plaza construction is complete and the iconic Discus Thrower Statue sits as the plaza’s centerpiece. This sculpture was awarded the gold medal in a sculpture competition held at the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris, France.