Carlos R. Lillo Park

Carlos R. Lillo Park is a small waterfront park along the FDR Drive in East Harlem, near East 100th Street. The park is named for Paramedic Carlos R. Lillo, a member of the FDNY Emergency Medical Service who lost his life in the line of duty during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.

Lillo was among the first responders who rushed to the scene of the attacks and was killed when the towers collapsed. His sacrifice, along with those of 342 other FDNY members lost that day, is permanently memorialized through the naming of this park in the neighborhood he served.

The park provides green space and waterfront access in a part of East Harlem where the FDR Drive creates a significant barrier between the residential neighborhood and the East River. Like other small parks along the east side esplanade, it offers views across the river to Randall's Island and Queens.

East Harlem, also known as El Barrio and Spanish Harlem, is one of Manhattan's most historically significant Latino neighborhoods. Parks like Carlos R. Lillo serve a community that has long advocated for greater investment in public spaces and recreation facilities.

The park's naming honors the sacrifice of a first responder who gave his life helping others, connecting this small green space to the broader memorialization of September 11th that runs through so many of New York City's public spaces and civic institutions.