Top-roping in nyc parks

Here is a straight answer: don't do it. While it may not be strictly illegal in that there is not a law on the books specifically banning roped climbing, it violates the agreement established in 1987 between the City Climber's Club and the Department of Parks and Recreation. That hard-won agreement permits bouldering in city parks, but no climbing involving gear or ropes. (Prior to the agreement, climbers of any sort were routinely harassed by the police.) Parks Department personnel and the NYPD have broad leeway in determining what is a permissible use of a park's resources, and what is a nuisance or a hazard. If an official catches you top-roping, the best that will happen is they'll order you to come down and remove the rope; the worst is that you'll get arrested and jeopardize climbing access for everyone else, including bouldering.

Besides, why would you want to top-rope anything in Inwood? It's a slime, lichen, and poison-ivy covered chosspile. (I know, because I live right near it.) Head up to New Paltz and enjoy the Gunks instead.