Second Phase of Harlem River Park Bikeway is Completed Updated April 30, 2010 7:41pm

Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe cuts the ribbon along with other members of the community. (NYC Parks & Recreation/Daniel Avila)

By Josh Williams

DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

HARLEM — The city is one step closer to having a pedestrian-friendly pathway encircling Manhattan now that the second phase of the Harlem River Park Bikeway is completed.

The 13-block, $9.6 million project stretches up the Harlem River from East 139th Street to East 142nd. The esplanade features boat access, benches, a lawn and community inspired artwork.

“The restored Harlem River Esplanade will provide the community with an accessible waterfront park in an area where open space is greatly needed," said Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday.

The Parks Department said that the Harlem River Park Bikeway makes the river's shoreline more environmentally friendly and aesthetically pleasing for walkers and cyclists.