Several parks in New York City—such as Highbridge Park, Inwood Park, and Van Cortland Park—have long been known to host tempting bouldering opportunities. However, the sport has never been officially allowed in these parks—until now.

Photo Courtesy of © Fred Polvere

Longtime local climbing advocate Fred Polvere has been working for 4 years to get bouldering officially approved by the New York City Parks (NYCP) system, which owns and manages these parks.

Thanks to Fred’s dogged advocacy, NYCP released an official statement in May, approving bouldering in all parks they manage, with the exception of Fort Tryon Park, which remains closed to bouldering due to the potential for climbers and pads to impede pedestrian traffic along sidewalks. Fred is continuing to work with NYCP to mitigate concerns at Fort Tryon Park, and is optimistic that through further education and outreach a plan for access can be achieved.

The addition of new legal bouldering opportunities in New York City Parks is exciting news for NYC climbers, and it is a shining example of the power of grassroots advocacy work. Thanks to Fred’s work, climbers living in New York City now have a great many more opportunities to get outdoors and climb close to home.

Please note that NYCP does not permit roped climbing in any of their parks.