Riley-Levin Children's Garden

Sponsored by Barbara Riley and Gerald Levin

Riley-Levin Children’s Garden, located in Swindler Cove at Sherman Creek Park, is a popular community space used by local groups in Northern Manhattan.

Named for former long-time NYRP board member and supporter Barbara Riley and Gerald Levin, the garden was endowed in the late 1990s.

Created by acclaimed landscape designer Billie Cohen, this beautiful and fully functioning green space features 16 large planting beds, an interactive herb garden, peach trees, blueberry bushes, and strawberry patches. Here, students from nearby public schools grow and tend their own vegetables, flowers and herbs through free in-school, after-school and summer programs. Additionally, several community groups use the space for food production and to engage youth in healthy eating, nutrition, urban agriculture and the environment.

The Riley-Levin Children’s Garden also features attractive brick walkways, vine arbors, a large teaching circle and podium, three-bin compost system and rain water barrel. Jonathan’s Pond—honoring the late son of Gerald Levin—is located in the southwest corner of the garden.