Report From RIOC President Leslie Torres - Roosevelt Island Becoming Prime NYC Destination, Red Bus Route Extended To Southpoint Park, Volunteer Landscape Friends Of Southpoint Park, Dialogue With RIOC Directors, First Come First Serve Lighthouse Park BBQ, Fitness Class, Tennis Permits & More

You Tube Video Of Roosevelt Island Red Bus

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Lesie Torres sends the following report to Roosevelt Island residents.

Greetings Roosevelt Islanders! Last weekend there were several events on the Island that show why Roosevelt Island is one of New York City’s prime destinations for sports and recreation. And, to make it easier for visitors – and especially our residents – to get to all out hotspots, we're expanding Red Bus service. Read more below.

Also, since the next column won't be out for two more weeks, I want to wish you all a safe and pleasant Memorial Day weekend. The Island is a great place to spend a long weekend. Remember, if you're planning to barbecue at Lighthouse Park, it's first come, first serve, so grab a grill site early.

Red Bus Service to Southpoint Park

RIOC is pleased to announce that on May 24 the Roosevelt Island Red Bus route will begin providing service to Southpoint Park. The route will remain the same north of the tram, but south of the tram it will be extended to Southpoint. The bus will depart the tram stop and proceed southbound on East Drive. The existing route makes a right hand turn and proceeds westbound, south of Sports Park; the extended route will continue southbound and will stop at the south west corner of Goldwater Hospital, adjacent to the Southpoint Park entrance. The bus will then turn right onto West Drive, heading northbound to service stops at Goldwater Hospital and West Tram, then proceeding north to the F-train station.

The Red Bus will stop at Southpoint Park as part of regular local service, seven days a week from the start of service at 5:45 am to the close of service (2:30 am Sun-Thurs, 3:30 am Fri-Sat). Please note, however, that the Octagon Express will not service Southpoint Park.

To connect with the Tram, Red Bus customers will be able to select either the "Tram Station East" stop or the "Tram Station West" stop to board or depart the bus. Two additional stops will be installed with this service change: “Southpoint Park” and “Goldwater Hospital.”

Friends of Southpoint Park

RIOC has formed a volunteer group of residents called Friends of Southpoint Park, which is helping with the landscape maintenance of the new park. We greatly appreciate the service of the nearly 40 volunteers who have already signed up. If you’re interested in joining, please contact Michael Smith Parks & Recreation Manager at michael.smith@rioc.ny.gov

Upcoming Public Meeting

There will be a public meeting after the RIOC Board meeting on May 24. The public meeting will be held at the Manhattan Park Community Center at 8:00 pm. Anyone who would like to dialogue with Board Members is encouraged to attend.

Day of Fitness a Success

Last Saturday’s Day of Fitness event, hosted by RIOC’s Parks & Recreation Department, drew 250 people to Firefighters Field. The weather was picture perfect, as Island residents and visitors enjoyed the free event. Participants sampled many of the classes now offered at Sportspark, including Tango, Zumba, Roosevelt Island Boot Camp and Spinning. But the main attractions were “Bodies in Motion” TV host Gilad Janklowicz and Spinning International Master Instructor Josh Taylor. Ten visitors traveled from more than two hours away to meet these fitness stars!

Due to the high attendance and positive response to the class sessions, Sportspark has extended its hour-long Zumba classes, which will now be offered on Mondays at 6:30 pm, Thursdays at 8:30 pm, and Saturdays at 10:00 am.

Two Events for Great Causes

Saturday was a busy day for outdoor fun on Roosevelt Island. In addition to hosting our own Day of Fitness, we welcomed the Icla da Silva Foundation, which held its 2nd Annual Roosevelt Island 5K Run/Walk. Participants ran and walked on a USA Track & Field certified course that started and finished at Blackwell Park, taking them around the perimeter of the Island where they enjoyed our breathtaking views of Manhattan and Queens. Council Member Jessica Lappin was among the 450 participants. The race benefitted the Icla da Silva Foundation, which recruits bone marrow donors with a focus on minority communities.

As if that wasn’t enough excitement for one day, the New York City Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association held its 2nd Annual Blondes vs. Brunettes Flag Football Game on Octagon Field. The game drew another 200 people to the Island, raising money for the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

We’re pleased that Roosevelt Island is a hot spot for sports and recreation – especially when we can host events like these that raise money for great causes.

Tennis Permits

Tennis permit became available under our upgraded system on May 9. For more information, please visit www.rioc.ny.gov.