Press Releases

New playground features play equipment, spray shower, dog run, gathering spaces, and improved trails

Today, NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue today joined NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez, Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Council Member Carmen De La Rosa, Community Board 12 Chair Katherine Diaz, Dyckman Houses Residents Association President Nathaniel Green, and community members celebrated the ribbon-cutting of the newly transformed playground at Dyckman Rest in Highbridge Park.

“The transformation of Dyckman Rest provides a vital resource to a hardworking neighborhood to help its families grow and thrive," said NYC Parks Manhattan Borough Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “By blending natural elements with modern design, improving accessibility and fostering safety, we have changed what was once an underutilized asphalt sitting area into a welcoming destination for play, connection and relaxation for everyone in this community, including dog owners.”

"This is one of the many community improvements I advocated for as the local City Council Member during the Inwood Neighborhood Rezoning process to bring more resources to the community,” said NYC Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “Dyckman Rest at Highbridge Park is now a significantly upgraded public space that features enhancements to lighting, accessibility, and recreation. I am thrilled to be here today as the Commissioner of the largest transportation agency in the country to expand on this type of high-quality public space in New York City in partnership with our wonderful colleagues at NYC Parks."

"The new Dyckman Rest at the foot of Fort George Hill is another commitment to beautify Upper Manhattan and prioritize our constituents' health,” said Council Member Carmen De La Rosa. “Between the NYCHA Dyckman Houses’ renovated playground, Sherman Creek waterfront renovations and our many greenways, Dyckman Rest is one of many investments to beautify Uptown and offer our environmental justice community additional safe, green spaces. Investing in parks in communities like ours should be the default, but we continue to advocate for additional funding for Parks knowing there’s so much more we could do. Dyckman Rest is just a piece of the 14% of the city’s land that is under the Parks Department’s purview, but it’s another reason to get 1% of the city budget for parks."

“The newly renovated Dyckman Rest is a vibrant space for joy, play, rest and wellness," said Katherine Diaz, Chair of Community Board 12. "By creating this park near public housing, schools and a business corridor, we’re making access to green spaces more equitable and ensuring that all district residents can enjoy the benefits of a healthier, more connected community.”

Funded with $5 million from the Mayor’s Office, and through the Inwood rezoning plan, this transformative project has revitalized an underutilized asphalt sitting area, turning it into a vibrant, beautifully designed playground on the hillside of Highbridge Park. This project enhances the neighborhood by addressing safety, accessibility, and sustainability while meeting the needs of a growing community.

The reconstructed park features play equipment for children of various ages and abilities, a spray shower, drinking fountains, and a dedicated dog run that was strongly supported by local dog owners. Gathering spaces have been added for families and visitors, while improved lighting enhances security throughout the site. Additionally, trails and woodland pathways were upgraded with native vegetation, mulch, and selective invasive plant removal, seamlessly connecting the playground to the surrounding areas of Highbridge Park.

The design integrates the natural woodland environment into the play space, incorporating features like a hill slide, boulder scrambles, and natural colors to reflect the landscape. Sustainability initiatives include increased permeability, rain gardens, energy-efficient lighting, and water-conserving spray showers. These updates transform Dyckman Rest into a destination for recreation, wellness, and community connection, aligning with the city’s broader commitment to revitalizing public spaces and fostering neighborhood growth through the Inwood Rezoning initiative.