Drive: West 72nd to West 181st Streets, east of Riverside Park; Park: West 72nd to West 158th Streets, west of Riverside Drive
Frederick Law Olmsted, 1873–80
New York City Scenic Landmark
State and National Registers of Historic Places

In 1865, the Parks Department proposed a park and drive to stretch from 72nd to 129th Streets along Manhattan’s western cliff to obscure the industrial waterfront below and attract residential development at grade. As conceived by Olmsted, the drive was both scenic and functional, while the park afforded access to river views via winding foot paths and a promenade along the park’s edge. Augmented by service roads and mini green spaces to enhance the park-going experience, Riverside Drive is an outstanding example of Olmsted’s vision for parkway planning.