In Washington Heights, a section of the street has been converted into what some are calling “Rio Manhattan,” an improvised water feature set up by resident Alex Rolon using a fire hydrant. The scene, which has drawn attention online, shows children using the bike lane to float and cool off during the ongoing summer heat in New York City, according to a report by Gothamist.
Alex Rolon, 45, opened a fire hydrant next to a bike lane at 188th Street and Laurel Hill Terrace and placed a traffic barrel to direct the water flow, creating what he calls "Rio Manhattan." The setup has attracted both local residents and visitors, with people of all ages using the space to cool off in swimsuits and floatation devices. While opening hydrants without a spray cap is not permitted, Rolon says he has the appropriate caps and ensures that water pressure for firefighting remains unaffected. In a statement to NY1, Rolon said, "Everybody loves this, everybody wants to see this and they want to see it grow and we’re all for it."
An Instagram video showing Alex Rolon "fishing" a horseshoe crab in the stream marked the beginning of what is now referred to as "Rio Manhattan." The location has since gained significant attention on social media, with videos receiving tens of millions of views. "It was organic. Everything just fell into place," Rolon told Gothamist, describing the development of the setup.
Despite its unofficial status and the potential risks such as disrupting traffic flow and bike lanes, Rolon has garnered support from the local NYPD precinct, with officers bringing barricades to safeguard the makeshift water park. One of the local youth expressed their preference for Rio Manhattan over the nearby public pool, citing cleaner conditions on the streets. "Public pools are sometimes dirty in there, so this is why I just come to 188th [Street] to have fun," the kid shared in a statement obtained by Gothamist.
Rolon has indicated that he may expand his efforts beyond the summer, suggesting potential plans to use the bike lane for winter activities as well. "I even have ideas for the winter," he said, hinting at the concept of a "Ski Manhattan" similar to the current "Rio Manhattan" setup, Gothamist reported.
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