Bennett Park

New Yorkers are always on the lookout for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, and if you're in the Washington Heights neighborhood, Bennett Park offers just that. More than just a patch of green, Bennett Park is a vibrant community hub with a fascinating history, offering a breath of fresh air and a chance to connect with nature and local heritage. Known by some as "the best park in the world" and celebrated as a "beautiful place to visit with family" by visitors, it’s a treasured spot for locals seeking both relaxation and recreation.

This welcoming park holds a unique distinction: it sits atop the highest natural point in Manhattan, standing at an impressive 265.05 feet above sea level. This elevated position not only provides a sense of tranquility but also connects visitors to a significant piece of New York City's past. From its origins as a densely wooded hill known as Penadnik to the Delaware Munsee Indians, to its strategic role during the Revolutionary War as the site of Fort Washington, the park's grounds have witnessed centuries of history. It was later acquired by prominent newspaper publisher James Gordon Bennett in 1871, ultimately opening as a public park in 1929. The park seamlessly blends historical significance with modern recreational opportunities, making it an ideal destination for residents of all ages.

Bennett Park is conveniently located in the heart of Washington Heights, a vibrant and diverse neighborhood in Upper Manhattan. You'll find this historic gem situated between Fort Washington Avenue and Pinehurst Avenue, stretching from West 183rd Street to West 185th Street. Its central location makes it easily accessible for residents across Washington Heights and beyond.

For those traveling by subway, the park is just a short walk from the A train's 181st Street station, providing a straightforward commute from various parts of Manhattan. Additionally, numerous local bus routes serve the area, making public transportation a convenient option. If you prefer to walk, the park is nestled within a residential area, offering a pleasant stroll through charming streets.

Accessibility is a key focus at Bennett Park, ensuring that everyone can enjoy its amenities. The park features wheelchair-accessible playgrounds and offers accessible elements such as ground-level play features and water-based play features. While public restrooms are available, it's worth noting they are not wheelchair accessible. However, the park has made efforts to enhance overall accessibility, with stone screening being replaced by harder surfaces to provide clearer delineation of tree pits and the central lawn designed to be accessible for people in wheelchairs and strollers. The entrance at West 185th Street and Pinehurst Avenue is particularly accessible, featuring no curb or stairs, and remains open even during ongoing park renovations. This commitment to inclusivity makes Bennett Park a welcoming space for all New Yorkers.

• Playgrounds: Bennett Park boasts well-maintained playgrounds, offering diverse play elements for children of various ages. These include accessible play features, ensuring an inclusive environment where all children can enjoy.
• Public Restrooms: For the convenience of visitors, public restrooms are available within the park.
• Pet Waste Stations: To help keep the park clean and enjoyable for everyone, pet waste stations are provided throughout the park, encouraging responsible pet ownership. All dogs must be leashed at all times.
• Benches with Backs and Armrests: Ample seating options are available, with benches thoughtfully designed with backs and armrests for comfort.
• Companion Seating: Specific areas offer companion seating, providing space in between benches for wheelchair users, further enhancing accessibility.
• Accessible Game Tables: The park includes accessible game tables, allowing more visitors to enjoy leisurely activities.
• Accessible Drinking Fountains: Hydration is made easy with accessible drinking fountains.
• Sensory-Friendly Spaces: For children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, the playground area includes sensory-friendly spaces.
• Multi-Sensory Play Experiences: The park offers multi-sensory play experiences, engaging children with sensory impairments through auditory, tactile, and visual elements.

• Highest Point in Manhattan: Bennett Park holds the distinction of being the highest natural point in Manhattan, offering a unique perspective of the city.
• Manhattan Schist Outcropping: A prominent outcropping of Manhattan schist, the bedrock forming the foundation of the island, dominates the center of the park. This geological feature is a testament to the island's natural history.
• Fort Washington Memorial: At the park's south end, bluestone and granite paving outline the contours of the eastern section of Fort Washington, a significant Revolutionary War site. A monument commemorating the Battle of Fort Washington, erected in 1901 by the Sons of the American Revolution, stands on the eastern perimeter wall. A replica of a Revolutionary War-era double-tail six-pound English field cannon further emphasizes the historical significance.
• Historic American Elm Tree Marker: In 1932, an American Elm tree was planted in the park to commemorate the bicentennial of George Washington's birth. A replica of the missing bi-centennial tree marker was installed during a 2012 renovation.
• Private First Class Emilio Barbosa Plaque: A bronze plaque set in marble, dedicated in 1996, honors Private First Class Emilio Barbosa (1926-1945), a United States Marine who grew up on nearby Pinehurst Avenue and served in World War II.
• Renovated Playground: The playground received a renovation in 2000, ensuring modern and safe play structures for children.
• Central Lawn Reconstruction: A significant renovation project, expected to be completed after Labor Day 2022, is focused on reconstructing the central lawn with tufted nylon turf. This durable surface is designed for multi-use and improved drainage, enhancing the park's usability while preserving the existing trees.

While Bennett Park itself does not typically offer direct promotions, New Yorkers can often find ways to enhance their park experience through broader city programs. For example, IDNYC cardholders are eligible for various discounts and benefits that can be applied to fitness and recreational activities across the city's parks system. This includes a 10% discount on annual and six-month NYC Parks Recreation Center memberships for adults aged 25-61, as well as a 10% discount on NYC Parks Department tennis permits. While these are not specific to Bennett Park, they can help residents stay active and engaged within the broader NYC Parks network. It's always a good idea to check the official NYC Parks Department website or the IDNYC benefits page for the most current offers that might indirectly enhance your visits to local parks like Bennett Park.

For general inquiries about Bennett Park and its facilities, you can reach the NYC Parks Department at:

Phone: (212) 408-0100

Address: W 183rd St & Fort Washington Ave, New York, NY

The official address provided as New York, NY 10005, USA is a broader New York City mailing address for the city parks department and not the specific park location. The park is situated in the 10033 zip code area of Washington Heights.

Bennett Park stands as a prime example of an urban oasis perfectly suited for New York City locals. Its unique blend of historical significance, recreational amenities, and community-focused design makes it an invaluable asset to the Washington Heights neighborhood and the city as a whole. For families, the well-maintained and accessible playgrounds provide a safe and engaging environment for children to burn off energy and explore. The presence of sensory-friendly spaces and multi-sensory play elements further underscores the park's commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that children with diverse needs can also enjoy their time here.

Beyond the playgrounds, the park offers a tranquil retreat for adults. Whether you're looking for a quiet spot to read, a scenic path for a leisurely stroll, or simply a bench to enjoy the fresh air, Bennett Park delivers. Its elevated position, as the highest natural point in Manhattan, offers a unique perspective and a sense of peaceful detachment from the city's usual rhythm. The historical markers and monuments, detailing the park's past as the site of Fort Washington, provide an educational component, allowing locals to connect with the rich history beneath their feet. This historical depth adds a layer of appreciation that goes beyond typical recreational spaces.

The ongoing efforts to enhance the park's facilities, such as the central lawn reconstruction with durable turf and improved accessibility features, demonstrate a continuous commitment to serving the community's needs. The availability of public restrooms and pet waste stations highlights a thoughtful approach to park management, contributing to a clean and comfortable experience for all visitors, including those with furry companions.

Moreover, the positive reviews from actual customers, describing it as "the best park in the world" and a "beautiful place to visit with family," speak volumes about its appeal. These sentiments reflect the genuine affection and value that locals place on Bennett Park. It's not just a park; it's a cherished community space where residents can relax, play, learn, and socialize. In a city like New York, having such a well-rounded and welcoming green space within reach is truly a blessing, making Bennett Park an indispensable part of local life in Washington Heights.

Bennett Park

New York, NY 10005, USA