Public-Private Partnership Creates WiFi "Hotspot" at Riverbank State Park

ALBANY, NY (01/12/2011)(readMedia)-- In partnership with Columbia University, Per Scholas and the Digital Divide Partnership, the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is offering a public Wi-Fi "hot spot" at Riverbank State Park, making it the first state park in New York with free public wireless Internet access.

"In an era of doing more with less, innovative partnerships are critical to improving the services State Parks can provide," said Acting State Parks Commissioner Andy Beers. "We are tremendously grateful to Columbia University, Per Scholas and the Digital Divide Partnership for helping provide wireless internet access to Riverbank's visitors. Mobile digital devices are changing the ways people work and play. The WiFi hotspot is a creative way we can enhance the diverse recreational, cultural and community offerings at Riverbank."

"At Columbia Engineering, we believe everyone should have access to broadband, so we jumped at the chance to help," said Bruce Lincoln, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Columbia's Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science. "The wireless Internet opens up the world to people and now Riverbank State Park is an access point where New Yorkers can connect to the world for free from their laptop or their smart phone. This is what we mean when we speak of technology serving as a civic asset. Columbia Engineering is proud we had a part in making this happen."

The Wi-Fi network spans the entire 28-acre Harlem park, and allows visitors to log on with their laptops, smart-phones and other digital devices. The network automatically blocks inappropriate material, content, Web searches and websites so that it is safe for children and families.

An innovative rooftop park that features an Olympic-size pool, a covered skating rink, an 800-seat cultural theater, a 2,500-seat athletic complex with fitness room, restaurant and other amenities, Riverbank attracts over 2 million visitors a year. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation administers 178 parks and 35 state historic sites. For more information about state parks and historic sites in New York, please visit www.nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.