LandmarkHudson HeightsHudson Heights
J. Hood Wright Park
A practical neighborhood park with a good river overlook and a playground families like; less grand than Fort Tryon, more used day to day.
W 173rd St between Haven Ave and Fort Washington AveW 173rd to W 176th St, Haven Ave to Fort Washington Ave
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What it is
J. Hood Wright Park lies between W 173rd and W 176th Sts, from Fort Washington Ave to Haven Ave. NYC Parks says it is named for the former owner of the site, J. Hood Wright (1836–1894), a Philadelphia banker who lived in a mansion at W 175th St and Haven Ave and made large anonymous contributions to what is now the Washington Heights library branch. The city took the land in 1925 to create a park and playground, since the nearest playground was over a mile away.
Who it’s for
Families, dog owners, and ballplayers. NYC Parks lists basketball, handball, and volleyball courts, a multi-purpose field, a dog-walking area, a recreation center, spray showers, and a playground whose adventure equipment was custom-designed to resemble the George Washington Bridge.
Standout details
The overlook at the northwest corner has views of the Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge. It also holds 3000 A.D. Diffusion Piece, a 1974 sculpture by Terry Fugate-Wilcox made of magnesium and aluminum plates, which NYC Parks says is expected to diffuse by the year 3000. Rock formations along Haven Ave include a cave similar to the rock shelters in Inwood Hill Park.
Honest verdict
A friendly, lived-in park that is a good stop for kids and for the view. NYC Parks says the recreation center has its own hours and programming, so check that page before planning around it.