Randall's Island

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The railway bridge by the Northern end of Randall's Island
The railway bridge by the Northern end of Randall's Island
Rivers separate Randall's Island on north and west
Rivers separate Randall's Island on north and west

Randall's Island is situated in the East River in New York City, part of the borough of Manhattan [2]. It is separated from Manhattan island on the west by the river's main channel, from Queens on the east by the Hell Gate, and from the Bronx on the north by the Bronx Kill. It is joined to Ward's Island on the south by landfill. Together, the two islands form New York County's Census Tract 240, which had a total population of 1,386 living on 2.2 km² of land area, according to the United States Census, 2000. [1] Administratively, it is part of the borough of Manhattan.

It was previously known as Montresor Island, named for John Montresor, who purchased the island in 1772. Montresor was an engineer with the British Army. He lived on the island with his wife until the Revolutionary War forced him to travel. However, the British used his island to launch amphibious attacks on Manhattan. He resigned his commission and returned to England in 1778, but retained ownership of the island until the British evacuated the city in 1783.

Randall’s Island Sports Foundation (RISF) [3] was founded in 1992 as a public-private partnership to work on behalf of Randall’s Island Park. The Foundation, in conjunction with City leadership, works to develope sports and recreational facilities, restore its natural environment, reclaim and maintain parkland, and sponsor programs for the children.

RISF’s signature facility on Randall’s Island, Icahn Stadium, was opened on April 23, 2005. The Stadium, a world-class track & field facility, is capable of hosting local, regional and national events. In addition, over 65 new and improved playing fields will begin development in 2006.

Additional projects include a new Boardwalk adjacent to the Stadium, leading to the Little Hell Gate Inlet – where a restored salt marsh and freshwater wetlands will soon improve water quality and wildlife habitat. This Boardwalk will also connect to roughly a mile of visible and accessible pedestrian and bicycle trails between the Inlet and the 103rd Street Footbridge from Manhattan, with interpretive signage and increased access to waterfront resources and current and future Park facilities.

Upcoming projects, slated for the next few years, include a Water Park, a 20-court Tennis Center, a Visitors/Nature Center, additional pathway sections, and extensive environmental restoration. Programming at Randall’s Island includes visits by Cirque du Soleil and an annual summer concert series.

RISF also runs its free Randall’s Island Kids (RIK) youth programs at the Park. Working in partnership with local public schools and community-based organizations in Harlem and the South Bronx, RIK brings thousands of children to the Park each year for a range of free sports and environmental education activities. These programs will continue to grow in terms both of capacity and complexity as new recreational, athletic and environmental facilities are developed.

RISF’s Management, Restoration & Development Plan is being carried out through a calibrated balance of individual, corporate and foundation philanthropy and public funding, alongside private investment in facilities planned to generate much-needed revenue toward Park maintenance. Others consider the over reliance on privatization and corporate dominated funding as reckless and elitist.

The elevated railway track passing through Randall's Island
The elevated railway track passing through Randall's Island

The Triborough Bridge complex, whose hub is located on the island, provides vehicular and pedestrian access from the boroughs of Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx. The railroad viaduct approach to the Hell Gate Bridge passes overhead. The Ward's Island Bridge leads to Manhattan.

The island is home to the New York City Fire Department's training academy and some other public facilities. Most of the island, however, is a city park. Once neglected, it recently has evolved into a sports complex under the guidance of the Randall's Island Sports Foundation. There is a driving range, miniature golf course, and tennis courts. The park's baseball, soccer, and lacrosse fields host school and serious amateur league games, as well as more casual play. The newly built Icahn Stadium replaced the old Downing Stadium in 2005 and is the site of high school and college track and field competitions.

On September 9, 2007, Farm Aid 2007: A Homegrown Festival took place here along with Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young, Dave Matthews and many other artists.

On October 6, 2007, A quasi-festival was hosted by the Arcade Fire on Randall's Island in the fields adjacent to the Icahn Stadium. The show featured a "whos who of opening acts" including LCD Soundsystem, Blonde Redhead, Les Savy Fav, and lesser known Wild Light.

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  1. ^ [1] U.S. Census Bureau
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Islands of New York City