Welcome to Roosevelt Island

Welcome to Roosevelt Island

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp. the State of New York

Have a question about Island Operations?
Ask Erica
AskErica@rioc.com

Dated Tuesday, 06/03/08
Hi Erica,

Is it possible to view the July 4th fireworks from the southern end of Roosevelt Island this year? Do I need to buy tickets?

Thanks,
Adam Walker

Hi Adam,

Yes, you will have to purchase tickets to the event in order to view the fireworks from the southern end of the island. Unlike most places in NYC during July 4th, we provide chairs and entertainment for the event and food for purchase at the venue.

Erica

Dates Tuesday, 6/03/08
Hi Erica

My name is Aaron Rye. I live in Elizabethtown, PA 17022. What do you recommend if driving to this event (4th of July) from this location? I can Mapquest it, but would you please offer advice? I understand there is a place to park my vehicle. What time do you recommend arriving?

Hi Aaron,

Before you arrive on the main street of the island, you will see a parking garage on your right. For visitors arriving on the island by car to see the fireworks, I would suggest that you arrive sometime between 4pm and 5pm in order to guarantee a space inside the lot. I would still recommend that you use Mapquest.com to get to Roosevelt island by typing in the following information: Roosevelt Island, NY 10044.

Erica

Dated Sunday, 6/1/08
Hi Erica,

My family is thinking about buying tickets for the Fireworks Festival. I am wondering if there will be public restrooms or port-a- potties available that night? (We have a three year old.)

Thanks!
Olivia Agee

Hi Olivia,

No worries. There will be plenty of porta potties at the venue for ticket holders located at the entrance and around the seating area.

Erica

Dated Wednesday, 5/28/08
Erica

Hi, I am interested in this event, but I have no idea about PS/IS 217 Beacon. Where exactly is it?

Concert Piano Performance by Felipe Hall
When: Friday May 30 at 6 pm.
Where: PS/IS 217 Beacon.
Free; light refreshments

Thanks.
Daming

Hi Daming,

PS 217 is located at 587 Main Street, directly across the street from Capobianco Field and the ramp to the Roosevelt Island Bridge.

Dated Friday, 5/23/08
Hello

Is all the seating at the 4th of July fireworks general admission or are there other seating venues available?

Thank you
Linda

Linda,

We have general seating section available as well as VIP seating section which is based on personal invitation only.

Erica

Dated Friday, 5/16/08
Erica,

What is the latest you can come in to view the fireworks show? Is all seating a good view?

Pam

Hi Pam,

The gates to the venue will close at approximately 9pm. Most people gravitate to the front for seats, but I always recommend ticket holders to grab a seat closer to the back because the venue has a slight incline which means that seats in the back have the best view.

Erica

Dated Monday, 5/12/08
Hi Erica,

I'd love to attend the July 4th celebrations on Roosevelt Island but my mother is in a wheelchair. I don't see any handicapped information available online or if there is a handicapped seating area.

Thank you.

Hi Catherine,

Yes, we do have an area allotted for seniors and the disabled at the venue. We also have transportation at the entrance gate of the venue to transport individuals to this particular location. Once you arrive at the gate, you will have to inform a Public Safety officer of your need and they will assist you accordingly.

Erica

Dated Friday, 5/9/08
Hello Erica,

My son and I have just moved to the Island last April 15th in 10 River Road. May I ask how do I register for: 1. Westview Indoor Pool? 2. Manhattan park playroom? 3. Would you know if there is an available indoor or outdoor space for a small party? My son is turning 4 years old this coming June 12th and I'm thinking to celebrate within the Island. I appreciate your assistance.

Many thanks,
Zaida

Zaida,

For rates and times of the Manhattan Park and Westview pool please contact each building:

Manhattan Park Management: 212-759-8660

Westview RY Management 212-755-3012

Roosevelt Island has a vast array of locations for parties and various functions. Please contact Donna Masly, 212-832-4563, for more information regarding potential party locations and possible rates (if they apply). Good luck!

Erica

Dated Monday, 5/5/08
Hi Erica,

Do you have pictures of the area surrounding the bbq pits? Are there benches and tables for people to use? How much are the permits?

Thanks,
Tiffany

Tiffany,

Unfortunately, I do not have any pictures of the surrounding areas of the BBQ pits on the island. There are regular and ADA approved benches surrounding all of the pits on the island. Please keep in mind that all BBQ's are available on a first come first serve basis.

Erica

Dated Thursday, 5/1/08
Dear Erica,

My kindergarten class is studying bridges and we plan to ride the Tram when we are ready to learn more about the Queensborough Bridge. We are planning our trip for June 4th. We will be faxing the necessary paperwork/form 7-10 days prior to that trip. My question is this: Can we buy the Metro Cards once we arrive at the tram depot? (We plan on taking the tram from Roosevelt Island and then back to the island from Manhattan.) OR....Do we need to buy Metro cards for the children (and adults) before we arrive. We will have 23 children and about 10 adults on this trip. We want to make sure we are prepared in the right way. Please advise.

Thank you!
Andrea Rousso

Hello Andrea,

You can purchase Metro Cards on the Tramway Platform once you arrive. Once all paperwork is received, the cashier at the Tramway will be ready to assist you and your staff to purchase cards for the group.

Erica

Dated Monday, 4/28/08
Hi,

I would like to make this an overnight stay, or maybe even a weekend stay, are there any hotels in the area? Also, what part of New York is Roosevelt Island considered (i.e. lower, upper, mid Manhattan)

Thank You,
Nike

Hi Nike,

Roosevelt Island is considered part of Manhattan located near the upper east side of the city. Roosevelt Island does not have any hotels on the island but you can visit hotels.com and find the nearest hotel in area code 10044 (Roosevelt Island upper east side).

Good Luck!
Erica

Dated Friday, 4/25/08
Hi Erica,

I am planning on coming to Roosevelt Island May 27. I will be taking the tram. Can I get a bus at the tram to take a tour of the island and what about dining there.

Thanks

Hi,

If you would like to take a tour of the island, please contact or Island Historian, Judy Berdy, at jbird134@aol.com. She will be more than delighted to give you a walking tour of the island. Don't forget to visit her kiosk, located on the Tram Plaza Lawn on Roosevelt Island, as soon as you get off the Tram. After you tour, you have a few options of places to eat on the island; we have a Japanese restaurant, a Pizzeria and a Starbucks located at Southtown slightly north near the Subway station. We also have a diner and a Chinese restaurant further north. On your tour, you will pass these locations including several landmarks on the island. Good Luck.

Erica

Dated Monday, 4/21/08
Hi Erica

My name is Chris and my wife Margaret and I are planning a trip to New York the first week of July. We went on line and found that there is a 4th of July fireworks display viewing area on the island. We will have our niece (14) and nephew (12) along with us and would like to know if it would be a wise Choice for us to visit Roosevelt Island that day and perhaps visit some of the sites on the island while we wait for the fireworks to begin. I would appreciate it if you could offer some ideas and any information regarding sightseeing on the island. We are coming from New Mexico and are looking forward being in the city during the holiday. Please include information regarding restaurants if possible.

Thank you so much for reading my Email and we hope to hear back from you soon.

Hi Chris,

It's great to hear that you will be visiting our island for July 4th. Before the gates open to the venue, there will be pre-show entertainment for children and adults beginning at 2pm. There are also several restaurants on the island, including a pizzeria, a diner and a Japanese restaurant. The island will be occupied by an additional 15,000 people from all over the world visiting relatives, site seeing, BBQ-ing or just relaxing on the promenade. Roosevelt Island has excellent views of the east side of Manhattan and Long Island City Queens as well as several historical landmarks scattered about the island. So no matter where you decide to go once you arrive on the island on July 4th, you're bound to have a great time. I hope this helps. Take care.

Erica

To read more Ask Erica Posts
Click Here