A relaxed weekend on the East River Greenway

The East River Greenway offers more to New Yorkers than just amazing views of the Empire State Building and the Manhattan skyline, it also provides a space to exercise, read, or even fish!

Photos by Maria Gonzalez (NYU / September 2015)

The East River Greenway, a 9.44 mile promenade parallel to FDR Drive that is used by New Yorkers for running and cycling. (Maria Gonzalez / NYU / September 2015)

The narrow greenway isn’t an impediment for runners pushing strolls or exercising in groups. (Maria Gonzalez / NYU / September 2015)

Large portions of the promenade exhibit graffiti and deterioration, even though it is operated and maintained by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. (Maria Gonzalez / NYU/ September 2015)

As it overlooks the East River, this promenade offers a sweet spot for amateur fishermen to practice their skills. (Maria Gonzalez / NYU / September 2015)

Misha, 83, a Russian immigrant, says he is taking advantage of the last sunny days of the year. “In the winter, the fish go away,” he explains. (Maria Gonzalez / NYU / September 2015)

His gear is self-made, he explains in a thick Russian accent, as he hooks a small fish as bait. (Maria Gonzalez / NYU / September 2015)

“The big fish like to eat the little fish,” Misha says, “and I like to feed them.” (Maria Gonzalez / NYU / September 2015)

“I came here six years ago because of my son. He lives here. It is my first trip out of Russia”, says Misha, staring at the movement of the line in his rod to see if any fish have bit yet. (Maria Gonzalez / NYU / September 2015)

“Look! It was hungry!,” says an excited Misha as he reels in a small fish. “This is not big, last time I caught 15 pound fish here.” (Maria Gonzalez / NYU / September 2015)

Misha, 83, with his second catch of the day. When asked what type of fish it was, he shrugged, “I don’t know but it is big.” (Maria Gonzalez / NYU / September 2015)

“Go! I give you life”, says Misha to the fish he just caught. He explains to me that while he enjoys fishing, he always returns the fish back to the ocean and never keeps them for his own.