In Washington Heights, New York City, a unique summer phenomenon has emerged: “Rio Manhattan,” an unofficial water park created by local resident Alex Rolon. Over the past two months, Rolon has transformed a fire hydrant on 188th Street into a bustling splash zone, attracting residents and visitors alike seeking relief from the summer heat.
On particularly hot days, Rolon opens the fire hydrant, allowing water to stream onto the adjacent bike lane. By placing a traffic barrel in the water’s path, he has effectively fashioned a makeshift lazy river, providing a safe haven for families and children. This impromptu water feature has gained immense popularity, drawing crowds from nearby neighborhoods and even as far as Florida.
The concept took off after Rolon humorously showcased a dead horseshoe crab he found at Orchard Beach in a viral Instagram video. “We’re fishing here in Rio de Manhattan!” he exclaimed in the clip, which has since garnered over 19 million views. The success of this video prompted Rolon to continue his summer project, inviting more people to join the fun.
On a recent afternoon, Rolon was seen opening the hydrant once again, creating a lively scene as children splashed in the water and adults set up chairs nearby. Locals took advantage of the refreshing stream, using the spray to wash their cars while an ice cream truck arrived to serve the crowd. Music filled the air, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Despite the community’s enthusiasm, using hydrants for recreational purposes is technically illegal in New York City without special spray caps, which regulate water flow for firefighting. Rolon mentioned that he possesses such caps and has not faced any pushback from city officials. “We’re just having fun,” he stated, emphasizing the community-centric nature of the project.
The local police department, NYPD, has expressed support for Rolon’s initiative, providing barricades to ensure safety in the area. “My biggest fear was, God forbid one of the children step outside or get hit by a car,” Rolon explained, appreciating the police’s proactive measures.
While the official Highbridge Pool operates just 15 blocks south, many children, including Michael, a 10-year-old who frequently visits Rio Manhattan, prefer this community-driven alternative. “Public pools are sometimes dirty in there, so this is why I just come to 188th [Street] to have fun,” he shared, reflecting the appeal of this grassroots water park.
Looking ahead, Rolon has plans to continue fostering community engagement even after the summer heat subsides. He envisions transforming the bike lane into a winter skating rink, dubbing it “Ski Manhattan.” As the summer draws to a close, the legacy of Rio Manhattan may well inspire further creative initiatives within the neighborhood.
Through Rolon’s efforts, what began as a playful response to the summer heat has blossomed into a vibrant community gathering point, illustrating the power of local creativity and collaboration.
