New York City’s summer scene has transformed with the emergence of “Rio Manhattan,” an unofficial water park in Washington Heights. Created by local resident Alex Rolon, this innovative setup has gained popularity among residents and visitors alike, providing a refreshing escape on hot days.
At the intersection of 188th Street and Laurel Hill Terrace, Rolon has been opening a fire hydrant for the past two months. By placing a traffic barrel over the resulting stream, he effectively created a makeshift lazy river and splash park. This unique attraction has drawn dozens of families and children from the neighborhood and beyond, offering a fun place to cool off near Highbridge Park.
The concept has not only caught the attention of locals but has also gone viral on social media. Rolon, now a summer influencer, has amassed tens of millions of views on his videos showcasing the water park. “It was organic. Everything just fell into place,” he stated recently while water flowed from the hydrant, creating a sparkling current on the bike lane. He emphasized the communal spirit, saying, “Everybody here played a part in this.”
The inspiration for “Rio Manhattan” came unexpectedly. Rolon recalled finding a dead horseshoe crab at Orchard Beach in late June and playfully pretending to catch it for an Instagram video. His humorous take, where he exclaimed, “We’re fishing here in Rio de Manhattan!” while dressed in Knicks gear, resonated with viewers and sparked further engagement. The clip now boasts over 19 million views, prompting Rolon to continue his hydrant-opening routine.
As the summer heat continued, young residents began arriving with bathing suits and pool floats. The scene quickly turned into a community gathering, with people splashing, playing with water guns, and drifting down the street on inflatable rafts. Local businesses even joined in, with one shop owner donating floaties to enhance the experience.
Opening fire hydrants for recreation has a long tradition in New York City, dating back more than a century. Yet “Rio Manhattan” stands out for its viral success and the sense of community it fosters. Rolon has welcomed visitors from as far as Florida, further highlighting its appeal.
Last Friday afternoon, armed with pliers, Rolon opened the hydrant again. As the water gushed forth, he placed the orange traffic barrel strategically to create a fun obstacle. The lively atmosphere was palpable as children, including Rolon’s 10-year-old son Evan, joined in on the fun, inflating inner tubes and a giant floating swan. Nearby, a little girl cartwheeled through the flowing water while her mother relaxed on a park bench.
The scene also attracted locals who took advantage of the spray to wash their cars, while an ice cream truck joined the festivities, adding to the summer atmosphere. The sound of bachata music filled the air, creating a vibrant community atmosphere.
Despite the joy this makeshift water park brings, it operates in a legal gray area. According to city regulations, it is illegal to open fire hydrants for recreational purposes without a special spray cap, which controls water flow and maintains pressure for firefighting. Rolon possesses several such caps and has never faced issues from city workers. He noted that if firefighters observe the water flow is excessive, they would intervene, but they have yet to do so.
The NYPD has reportedly been supportive of Rolon’s initiative, recognizing its community-building potential. Rolon expressed his initial concern about safety, particularly regarding children playing near the street. He mentioned that local police assured him they would help by providing barricades to keep cars away from the area during playtime.
Although the official outdoor Highbridge Pool is only 15 blocks south, many children, like Michael, a 10-year-old visitor, expressed a preference for the street water park. “Public pools are sometimes dirty in there, so this is why I just come to 188th [Street] to have fun,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Rolon has plans to continue fostering community engagement beyond the summer months. “I even have ideas for the winter,” he said, hinting at the possibility of converting the area into a skating rink. “I might turn it into a little skating rink and just ski all the way down the bike lane. Ski Manhattan!”
As “Rio Manhattan” continues to thrive, it highlights the power of community-driven initiatives to bring joy and connection, even in urban environments.
