Nicholas Naquan Heyward Jr. Park

Nestled in the heart of Brooklyn's vibrant Gowanus neighborhood, Nicholas Naquan Heyward Jr. Park stands as a vital community hub, offering a dynamic and engaging outdoor experience for residents of all ages. Located at 160 Wyckoff St, this beloved park is much more than just a green space; it's a testament to community resilience, thoughtful urban planning, and a poignant reminder of a young life, tragically cut short, that continues to inspire positive change.

The park was originally known as the Gowanus Houses Playground. In 2001, it was formally renamed in honor of Nicholas Naquan Heyward Jr. (1981-1994), a local 13-year-old resident who was fatally shot by a New York City Housing Authority police officer in 1994 while playing with a toy gun in the nearby housing complex where he lived. Nicholas was an honor student, an aspiring doctor or professional basketball player, and an active member of his community. His story spurred significant changes in laws regarding the sale and distribution of toy guns, and his legacy is passionately carried forward by the Nicholas Naquan Heyward Jr. Foundation, which hosts annual community gatherings and positive youth programs at the park.

The park has seen significant enhancements over the years, ensuring it remains a top-tier facility for local families. In 2011, NYC Parks undertook a major reconstruction, and in 2017, the basketball courts received a state-of-the-art renovation sponsored by the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center Cares. These improvements underscore the park's commitment to providing high-quality recreational opportunities for the neighborhood. One local reviewer enthusiastically states, "Great neighborhood playground. Recently renovated basketball courts, large water fountain, and playgrounds for toddlers and older kids." This highlights the park's appeal to diverse age groups and its well-maintained facilities.

A particularly cherished feature, especially during New York's warmer months, is the large water fountain, which becomes a lively splash pad for children. As one parent advises, "Bring a bathing suit if your kid will enjoy running around in the fountain." Another unique and highly praised aspect of the park is its abundant shade. "One of the best parts of this park is that it’s mostly shaded, which is great in the summer and unique from other parks," a review notes. This thoughtful design provides crucial relief from the summer sun, making it a comfortable and enjoyable destination even on the hottest days. Despite its active nature, the park maintains a balanced atmosphere: "It’s active all day but much less busy than other playgrounds in the area. It’s particularly fun in the summer when there is more of a vibe." Nicholas Naquan Heyward Jr. Park is a true testament to community spirit, recreation, and remembrance in Brooklyn.

Location and Accessibility

Nicholas Naquan Heyward Jr. Park is conveniently situated at 160 Wyckoff St, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA, positioned between Hoyt Street and Bond Street. This location places it firmly within the vibrant and evolving Gowanus neighborhood of Brooklyn, making it easily accessible for residents of surrounding areas like Boerum Hill, Carroll Gardens, and Downtown Brooklyn. The park’s embeddedness within a residential community ensures it serves as a central and cherished local amenity.

Accessibility via public transportation is a significant advantage for New Yorkers. The park is within comfortable walking distance of several major subway lines, providing excellent connectivity to various parts of Brooklyn and Manhattan. The F and G subway lines are particularly close, with stations at Bergen Street (F/G) and Carroll Street (F/G) being just a short walk away. Additionally, the A, C, and G trains at Hoyt-Schermerhorn Streets, and the 2, 3, 4, 5, B, Q, R lines at Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center, are all within a reasonable distance, making the park easily reachable from almost anywhere in the city.

Numerous bus lines also serve the Gowanus area, offering additional convenient transit options. The neighborhood itself is highly walkable, with wide sidewalks and a growing array of local businesses, cafes, and restaurants. For those who cycle, Brooklyn is increasingly bike-friendly, and the park’s location makes it a pleasant destination by bike. While street parking can be a challenge in New York City, the extensive public transportation options largely mitigate the need for personal vehicles. The park’s thoughtful design also includes wheelchair accessibility features, with ramps and mobility transfer systems in its playground, ensuring it is a welcoming space for all members of the community.

Services Offered

• Basketball Courts: Recently renovated, high-quality basketball courts provide an excellent space for pickup games, practice, and community tournaments.
• Handball Courts: Alongside the basketball courts, handball courts offer another popular urban sport option for locals.
• Playgrounds for All Ages: The park features separate playground areas catering to both toddlers and older children, ensuring age-appropriate and safe play experiences.
• Water Fountain / Spray Showers: A large, popular water fountain doubles as a spray shower area, providing a refreshing splash pad for kids during hot summer days, a beloved feature among families.
• Shaded Areas: Uniquely, a significant portion of the park offers natural shade, making it a comfortable destination even during intense summer heat, as noted by local reviewers.
• Accessible Features: The playground includes accessible play elements and mobility transfer systems, and the park offers accessible drinking fountains and companion seating for wheelchair users.
• Public Restrooms: The park provides public restrooms, although it's noted they are not wheelchair-accessible.
• Benches and Seating: Ample benches with backs and armrests, including companion seating, are available for relaxation and supervision.
• Community Events and Activities: The Nicholas Naquan Heyward Jr. Foundation frequently hosts community gatherings, basketball games, and youth activities at the park, particularly on Nicholas's birthday (August 26th), often including toy gun exchanges for books or other toys.
• Inclusive Play Elements: Features designed to engage children with diverse sensory and mobility needs.

Features / Highlights

• Recently Renovated Courts: The park boasts high-quality, newly renovated basketball and handball courts, which are a major draw for sports enthusiasts and were sponsored by the Brooklyn Nets.
• Large Water Fountain / Splash Pad: A highly popular feature, especially in summer, providing a fun and refreshing area for children to cool off and play, often less busy than other neighborhood splash pads.
• Exceptional Shade: A standout highlight, the park is predominantly shaded by mature trees, offering a unique and comfortable environment during hot weather, a rarity among urban parks.
• Separate Playgrounds: Thoughtful design includes distinct playground areas tailored for toddlers and older kids, ensuring safety and appropriate activities for different age groups.
• Community-Focused Design: The park is designed to be active all day, providing a vibrant yet manageable level of activity, fostering a strong neighborhood vibe, particularly in the summer.
• Accessible Amenities: Features like accessible drinking fountains, companion seating, and specific playground elements cater to a wide range of visitors, promoting inclusivity.
• Meaningful Legacy: Named in memory of Nicholas Naquan Heyward Jr., the park serves as a living memorial, with ongoing community initiatives and events hosted by his foundation, adding profound historical and social significance.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Regular maintenance by NYC Parks, complemented by significant renovations, ensures the park remains a clean, safe, and enjoyable space for all users.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a public park managed by NYC Parks, Nicholas Naquan Heyward Jr. Park does not offer commercial "promotions" or traditional special offers in the same way a business would. Its core "offer" is consistent: free and open access to its wide array of recreational facilities and green spaces for all New Yorkers. All its amenities, including the playgrounds, basketball and handball courts, and the popular water fountain, are available to the public without any admission fee.

However, the park does host and facilitate various community-led programs and events, particularly those organized by the Nicholas Naquan Heyward Jr. Foundation. These events, which are typically free, include annual gatherings on Nicholas's birthday (August 26th) with basketball games, activities for kids, and often a toy gun exchange for books or other toys. These can be considered "special offers" in a community sense, providing unique engagement opportunities for locals. For information on specific free public programming or special community events at Nicholas Naquan Heyward Jr. Park, residents are encouraged to check the NYC Parks website or local Gowanus and Boerum Hill community calendars and notice boards.

Contact Information

Address: 160 Wyckoff St, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA

Phone: (212) 639-9675

Mobile Phone: +1 212-639-9675

For general inquiries about Nicholas Naquan Heyward Jr. Park, including its facilities, operating hours, or any specific park rules, the primary contact would be NYC Parks. You can reach their general information line using the provided phone numbers. For details regarding community events, programs, or initiatives specifically related to the Nicholas Naquan Heyward Jr. Foundation, it is advisable to check their official website or look for information posted within the park itself. The park is open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

Nicholas Naquan Heyward Jr. Park is an exceptional and deeply meaningful resource for locals in Brooklyn, particularly for residents of Gowanus and neighboring areas. Its suitability stems from its comprehensive offering of recreational amenities, its thoughtful design that caters to diverse age groups, and its profound connection to community history and ongoing activism. For New Yorkers, this park is not just a place to play; it’s a living testament to collective memory and sustained efforts for positive change.

For families, the park is a dream come true. The recently renovated basketball and handball courts provide excellent spaces for youth and adults to engage in sports, fostering physical activity and friendly competition. The separate playgrounds for toddlers and older kids ensure that children of all ages have safe and stimulating environments for play. Crucially, the large water fountain acts as a fantastic splash pad in the summer, providing much-needed relief from the heat, and the park's ample shade is a rare and highly valued amenity in urban settings, making summer visits much more comfortable.

Beyond recreation, the park serves as a vital community hub. It is "active all day but much less busy than other playgrounds," striking a perfect balance for everyday use. The annual events hosted by the Nicholas Naquan Heyward Jr. Foundation are powerful reminders of community strength and dedication, bringing people together for remembrance and positive youth engagement. Its accessibility via multiple subway lines makes it a convenient and desirable destination for a wide swathe of Brooklyn residents. Nicholas Naquan Heyward Jr. Park truly embodies the spirit of a vibrant, inclusive, and historically significant neighborhood park, making it an indispensable part of local life in Brooklyn.

Nicholas Naquan Heyward Jr. Park

160 Wyckoff St, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA