The Randall’s Island Park Alliance (RIPA) maintains a variety of planted and themed gardens and landscaped areas throughout the Park, all created using native species and sustainable practices. Located primarily along the water’s edge, they provide a beautiful and tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of New York City. Enjoy a casual stroll through the gardens or participate in a RIPA guided garden tour. To get a bit more involved, join RIPA’s ongoing opportunities for volunteers — corporate and school groups, children and families — to join in stewardship at the Park.
The Rock Garden
Located adjacent to the ferry dock, the Rock Garden provides visitors with the opportunity to sit and take in the beauty of a wide range of flowers as well as the gorgeous East River and Manhattan skyline. The strategically placed layered rocks utilize both Eastern and Western tradition rock gardening and features alpine and dwarf conifers.
The Water’s Edge Garden
Winner of the 2007 Perennial Plant Associations 2007 Landscape Design Award, the Water’s Edge Garden is filled with a unique, whimsical mixture of perennials, grasses and shrubs with varying height and texture. The garden extends all along the waterfront bicycle and pedestrian pathways north of the 103rd Street Footbridge.
The White Garden
The White Garden is a restful sanctuary located just east of the Wards Meadow Fields, in the most wooded part of the Island. Birch tree groves light up with stunning white vertical lines of trunk all year around. Understory plants compose with white blooming flowers or variegated foliage with white tones between spring through autumn.
Hell Gate Wildflower Meadow
Overlooking the Hell Gate rapids at the Park’s southeastern tip, the Hell Gate Wildflower Meadow is filled with perennials native to the Northeast. The meadow is a unique ecosystem, providing food and shelter for diverse pollinators and other insects. The public experiences a moment of biodiversity garden oasis. Find a place to sit and enjoy the view of the East River.
Freshwater Wetlands Wildflower Meadow
Located at the entry to the Island’s freshwater wetlands, the Freshwater Wetlands Wildflower Meadow was planted with more than 20,000 natives to the Northeast. True to its name, it is self-seeding and blooms from early spring to early winter. The meadow gives the public an opportunity to experience various insects and unusual native plants.
The Woodland Garden
The Woodland Garden and Trail located at Water’s Edge garden in a woody area that provides shelter and food to a unique wildlife population. The garden planted to recreate the layers of a natural forest with over fifty native species of trees, forbs and grasses. The lush forest garden allows us to have a peaceful space for restoring & refreshing our urban life. Let’s take a time to walk on the trail.