Former City Councilman To Head Riverside Park Conservancy

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — A former New York City Council member will serve as the head of the Riverside Park Conservancy, the organization announced Tuesday.

Daniel Garodnick, elected to the council in 2005 and term limited in 2017, was named chief executive officer and president of the Riverside Park Conservancy as the organization seeks to expand its role in caring for the park. Riverside Park stretches six miles up the Hudson River, spanning the Upper West Side, Harlem and Washington Heights.

The Riverside Park Conservancy's board of trustees created the role for Garodnick, according to a press release.

“The last few years have been a period of remarkable growth for the Conservancy, and together in partnership with the Parks Department, we are proud to help make Riverside Park one of New York’s most beautiful and active public spaces," Lori Bassman, chair of the conservancy’s board, said. "Dan Garodnick is the perfect leader to dramatically expand the Conservancy’s efforts and help take Riverside Park to even greater heights, with a vision and passion for the Park and a deep understanding of how government and non-profit organizations can partner to deliver outstanding public services."

The Riverside Park Conservancy currently operates on an annual budget of $6 million and employs 30 people, according to a press release. One of Garodnick's responsibilities with the organization is to oversee a years-long fundraising effort launching later this year and doubling the size of horticultural care program.

The organization is specifically focused on expanding its efforts in Riverside Park's northern end.

"Taking the helm of the Conservancy is an extraordinary opportunity to continue serving the public in the most tangible way I can imagine: by making Riverside a world-class waterfront park. The Conservancy has accomplished remarkable things, but great opportunities for Riverside Park lay ahead, and I look forward to helping realize them," Garodnick said in a statement.

The Riverside Park Conservancy was founded in 1986 as a nonprofit partner of the Parks Department.

Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images