A new summer attraction has emerged in Washington Heights, New York City, as residents flock to the unofficial water park dubbed “Rio Manhattan.” Created by local resident Alex Rolon, the installation features a fire hydrant opened next to a bike lane at 188th Street and Laurel Hill Terrace, transforming the area into a makeshift waterway that has become a sensation among the community.
Over the past two months, Rolon has turned the simple act of opening a fire hydrant into a vibrant gathering spot for families seeking relief from the summer heat. On particularly hot days, he directs the water flow with traffic barrels to create a playful environment reminiscent of a lazy river. This initiative has attracted dozens of participants, providing children with a fun place to splash and play adjacent to Highbridge Park.
Rolon’s efforts have garnered significant attention on social media, where his videos have amassed tens of millions of views. “It was organic. Everything just fell into place,” Rolon shared as water gushed from the hydrant last Friday. The community-driven spirit is evident, as Rolon noted, “Everybody here played a part in this.”
The spark for this endeavor came when Rolon discovered a dead horseshoe crab at Orchard Beach. In a light-hearted Instagram video, he pretended to fish for it, exclaiming, “We’re fishing here in Rio de Manhattan!” This clip alone has attracted over 19 million views, encouraging Rolon to reopen the hydrant and invite more visitors.
As the summer heat persists, young locals have begun to arrive equipped with bathing suits and pool floats. They can be seen splashing in the water, shooting water guns, and enjoying the refreshing atmosphere. The initiative has transformed into a community ritual, with even local shop owners contributing by donating inflatable floats.
The practice of opening fire hydrants to cool down during the sweltering summer is a tradition that dates back over a century in New York City. Yet, few such setups have gained the level of popularity seen at Rio Manhattan, which has drawn visitors from as far as Florida in recent weeks.
Last Friday afternoon, Rolon arrived with pliers to open the hydrant, cascading water across the street. As the makeshift water park came to life, his son, Evan, and a friend inflated inner tubes, while a little girl joyfully cartwheeled through the shallow water. Locals took advantage of the spritz, washing their cars in the spray, while an ice cream truck arrived, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Despite the apparent joy, city regulations prohibit the recreational use of fire hydrants without a special spray cap, designed to control water pressure for firefighting. Rolon mentioned that he possesses these caps and stated that city workers have not intervened to halt the operation. “We’re just having fun,” he emphasized. “We’re not hanging out late, we’re just doing it for the kids.”
Support from the NYPD has also been notable, with officers reportedly understanding the community’s enjoyment and helping to ensure safety. Rolon expressed his concerns about children playing near traffic, but the police assured him they would provide barricades to keep vehicles away from the water play area.
Interestingly, Highbridge Pool, a city-run swimming facility, is only 15 blocks from Rio Manhattan. Yet, some children, like Michael, a 10-year-old visitor, prefer the street setup. “Public pools are sometimes dirty, so this is why I just come to 188th [Street] to have fun,” he stated.
As summer comes to a close, Rolon is already considering future community activities. “I even have ideas for the winter,” he revealed. “I might turn it into a little skating rink and just ski all the way down the bike lane. Ski Manhattan!”
This spirited initiative highlights the creativity and resilience of local communities, transforming an ordinary street into a source of joy and togetherness during the summer months.
