History of WaHI: J. Hood Wright Park - Washington Heights & Inwood Online

J. Hood Wright Park

James Renner

Date: May 1995

J. Hood Wright Park, located between 173rd and 176th Streets, from Fort Washington Avenue to Haven Avenue, has been an oasis for a community that was in need of park space. The park is named for the former owner of the site: J. Hood Wright (1836-1894). He was a banker and financier from Philadelphia whose home was located within the 6 1/2 acre park.

According to the historical records, the Wright home was located on the western side of the park near Haven Avenue. In 1883 Wright had been chief contributor to what is now the Washington Heights Branch of the New York Public Library. A plaque was placed at the top of a flight of stairs at the entrance of the branch that honors Wright for his philanthropic participation in changing the status of the branch from a subscription library to a free library.

Wright was also instrumental in the establishment of a hospital in the Manhattanville section of New York City. It was first known as the Manhattan Dispensary Hospital, located at 131st Street and Tenth (Amsterdam) Avenue. The hospital was named for Wright in 1895 and was later to become Knickerbocker Hospital.

The Wright property was acquired in 1925 by the City of New York for the specific purpose of a park and playground, since the nearest playground at the time was at 153rd Street and Amsterdam Avenue. In the original deed there was a clause that stated that part of the park was to be used as a facility for the recreation of senior citizens.

The Octagonal Room was the centerpiece of a complex built in 1935 with two wings serving as restrooms that were connected by curved loggia. Originally, the east wing was the men’s room and the west wing was the women’s room. Since the renovation of the park, the west wing houses both.

Up until the late 1960s there had been a concession stand which was located near the Danziger Senior Center. The center was built in 1959 for seniors to come and socialize in the park. In 1966 two recreation rooms and restrooms were added on to the present structure. The center was named for Frederick J. Danziger who was president of the senior center in the park in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Now known as the J. Hood Wright Recreational Center, it has facilities for physical fitness on the premises.

The park had a wading pool with a sprinkler. It was replaced with a playground that has a model of the George Washington Bridge with a walkway for the children. There are slides and climbing bars that are also part of the play area. Also in the park is a dog run, baseball field, handball, volleyball and basketball courts.

The scenic overlook at the northwest corner of the park is a place where people can view the Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge. The overlook has a monolithic sculpture made of magnesium and zinc blocks that will fuse together in the year 3000 A.D. (which happens to be the name of it). It was installed in 1974 and was sculpted by Terry Fugate-Wilcox.

On Haven Avenue under the overlook are rock formations that appear to be a small cave similar to those found in Inwood Hill Park. At the southwest corner of the park is a rock outcropping of Manhattan Schist.

The park has been mentioned in the book “Florry of Washington Heights” by Steve Katz. The story is about a teenager growing up in Washington Heights, especially in the immediate vicinity of J. Hood Wright Park, during the late 1940s and early 1950s.

Recently, the park was allocated $2,051,000 with the help of Manhattan Borough President Ruth Messinger and City Councilman Guillermo Linares. These monies went to capital improvements of the park such as revamping of the senior center to make it an intergenerational center for all ages. In addition, park improvements were made as well, such as the new playground where the wading pool had been. New benches known as the Christie Forsythe benches (a.k.a. the World’s Fair benches) now grace the park.

The politicians have been working hard to keep the park diversified for the residents. Ruth Rudder of Friends of J. Hood Wright Park had done a demographic and ethnic survey of the use of the park. With the ever-changing community, the park stands as a stable force to keep the neighborhood together.

Friends of J. Hood Wright is a group of neighborhood residents who not only use the park but are involved with community events, clean-ups and gardening within the park. The group was organized to save and improve the environment of the park in a time when J. Hood Wright Park was being threatened with fiscal neglect. They can be reached at (212) 928-3327.

The Recreation Center is located on the Fort Washington Avenue side of the park at 173rd Street. Orlando Sanders is the Director and Stephanie Harris is the Assistant Director of the center. The center can be reached at (212) 927-1514. For more information on this and other parks in New York City log on to the Parks Department Web site.

The Washington Heights Branch of the New York Public Library is located at 1000 Saint Nicholas Avenue at 160th Street. For information on the branch, please call (212) 923-6045.

(Originally published in the Washington Heights and Inwood Report, May 1995.)

Comments

The "park"-- the only one in the world so far as we knew-- was the center of our existence in the 1950's. Thanks for the excellent background. We visited it again last summer and were pleased to see how well kept up it is now. I miss the wading pool, though-- it was very exotic to a 5 year old! I was also glad that the board game and checkers and chess continue to be a part of the park scene. My Uncle Johnny Donnellen (known in the park as "Scotty") was a regular in the 40's and 50's. Brien Lee

Posted by: Brien Lee | July 21, 2004 9:14 PM

I grew up across the street from the park, on 173rd St between Ft. Wash & Haven. In the 50's & 60's not only was there a wading pool, but in the winter it was filled and frozen, so that we could ice skate.There was always something to do and someone to play with.

Posted by: Victoria McGee | August 11, 2004 9:40 PM

Gosh, the wading pool was great. I used to take my children when they were young there in the hot weather. It was a terrific park. My daughter went to kindergarten across the street at PS 174! We lived on 174th between St. Nicholas and Audubon Ave. Great history!

Posted by: Rose Forker-Ewings | December 31, 2004 4:42 PM

J. Hood Wright was a retreat for me as a young kid attending P.S. 173 across the street. There was so much space to run around in and the park's hills, rock formations, woody hideouts, etc., made for great fun. The views of the Hudson River are George Washington Bridge were heavenly. I recall playing nok hockey countless times outside. The wading pool was a real treat in the very hot weather. The park was laid out in a very nature-like way. Some came to the park to play ball, fly model airplanes or kites, picnic, play chess, read on a bench under a tree, etc. There was something for everybody. One of the entrances to the Independent(IND) 175th street subway station was so nicely blended into the architecture of the park. I remember sled riding many winters. Who remembers the round refreshment stand or structure? I was somewhat saddened when they cemented what is now the baseball field in the late 1950s or the early 1960s. before that it was just dirt. Does anybody remeber the old chestnut tree in the park?

Posted by: Barry Smuckler | April 26, 2005 7:31 PM

Except for not knowing that "the Park" actually had a name -- yes, Barry, I do remember playing nok hockey,the round concession stand (it was a cupola-shaped roof, I think) where you could get two pretzels (the Bachman rods) for a nickel -- and there were rumors that the "parkie" had beat a kid over the head with a baseball bat -- sound familiar? Can't say I remember the chestnut tree you mentioned, sorry -- but do you remember what looked like a steering wheel stuck in the rocks? We took great trips from that launch pad! And was it just me, or did everybody's friends imagine they were in touch with the spirits of Revolutionary War soldiers -- who they called to arms at midnight (with a quiet toot on their bugle)?

Posted by: Miriam Strausser Pratt | April 27, 2005 7:40 AM

Thank you for this history. I am a longtime Washington Heights resident and was looking for the History of Knickerbocker Hospital. You provided me with a tid-bit of information. If you have more info on Knickerbocker Hospital I would apppreciate it. Thanks again.

Posted by: Gregory-Michael | May 6, 2005 11:41 PM

Barry: Wow, you were friends w/my brother Nick. sister Anna, perhaps fm 115. Re: THAT park. The sleigh riding was killer.Snowsorm, waist high in approx. 1955.A certain smell in the summer. More. THAT PARK is half or more of my entire soul,it WAS my childhood. I remember refreshment stand being octagonal/circular(?) with those two swing-up windows. 2cent pretzelsticks. THEwonderful biggest slide whence cameth the enormous bumps on my shinbones, which I think of every time I shave my legs (not often these days, haha). It was a frenzy at times. The park Mgr. Joe/green uniform forbade us from "sanding" the slide, but someone like Nick would do it anyway. Remember those iron "turnstile" gates between the two stone "admin" bldgs? Sometimes, usually during icestorms they would lock up/be locked.

Posted by: Electra George | May 7, 2005 6:21 PM

I actually still go to J. Hood Wright park everyday, and its great to hear about the history of the park. I have lived in Washington Heights for all my 19 years and to see other peoples comments and memories is nice.

Posted by: Vanessa | August 15, 2005 11:00 PM

I went to school at P.S.173 during the late 50's and early 60's and played softball in the schoolyard and in the park. I also remember the nok hockey games and the ping -pong tournaments. We used to play in the wading pool but we had a hybrid ball game where we pitched a spauding underhand and hit it with our fist and ran bases,sort of a condensed punchball. My favorite memory was seeing all the leaves in autumn blowing around the park.

Posted by: Louis Ramirez | August 31, 2005 1:29 PM

hey, ive lived at 172nd my whole life. ive been going to j.hood wright since i was a little kid. and now as a teenager i still do. now i go to practice on basketball or hang out with my frinds.and in winter we're all inside at the center. which they can even provide a summer job for me there. its great. you always make friends, and everyone is welcoming. i would leave the park for anything. many birthdays, BBQ'S, and sledding all year round.

Posted by: annabell perez | September 3, 2005 2:21 AM

I remember when i was around 8 or 9 playing in the cement baseball field thinking wow this is huge. I recently went back and hit one out of the park for old times sake...its not that big anymore.

Posted by: Jorge Barona | September 19, 2005 11:16 PM

What a great part of the world you live in. Can you give me an email contact for the principal and staff of the P.S. 115 WASHINGTON HEIGHTS school. I want to congratulate them and thank them for sharing their stories on film in Mad Hot Ballroom, the most inspriring and hope-filled film I've seen. thanks

Posted by: Susan McKinnon | September 28, 2005 4:22 AM

The park is one of the great memories I have of living on 600 W. 169th Street and Broadway from 1952-1963, going to PS 173, playing on those rocks in the park, getting Cracker Jacks from the refreshment stand at the park, and the GREAT times in the pool in the summer (my mother made me wear rubber bathing shoes so I wouldn't slip) and skating on the pool in the winter. The oh, so high rides on those swings, and yes, putting sand on the slide because it was such fun. I think once or twice my friends (and me too!) let go of the other side of the seesaw and I went flying...it was a great ride...the park was a magical place...I remember sitting in the sandbox when I was three; drinking from the water fountain but my brother had to lift me up to reach it at first...thanks for the memories...

Posted by: Dale Grant Scaglione | October 22, 2005 5:17 PM

When I enjoyed the park after school at PS 173(1975-1982)Kindergaten to 6th grade, we called it "jew park". We spent all of our afternoons there and played for endless hours. The rock cave at the back was great for sneaking a smoke from of a stolen cigarette or a kiss. The neighborhood was so diverse that it is hard to believe it now. I had kids from everywhere in our class. American, russian jews, polish jews, irish, indian, dominican, puerto rican, and mixed kids like me (German/Black) and we all pretty much got along.I have great memories of that area and keep it close to me heart. Thanks for the shared thoughts.

Posted by: Shana Gamble | February 25, 2006 2:59 PM

I have just recently found out that J. Hood Wright's first name is James. James Renner

Posted by: James Renner | May 11, 2006 7:34 PM

I went to ps 173 1979-1982. I lived on 177st and haven ave. There use to be a tree toward the northwestern end of the park by the stairs that led to the rocks. It use to grow some kind of strange berry that i collected and baked in a cake that i brought to the p.s.173 bake sale. I was extremely blessed to have started my life in such a fun diversified neighborhood there was always something to do no matter what the weather (we use to call it jew park also but I never knew why).

Posted by: aisha rodriguez | June 20, 2006 9:47 PM

The park was so integral to my childhood (and teen years, too). I have some very vivid memories of things there. I remember the curmudgeon who worked the refreshment stand (I think her name was Mrs. Downy). Sometimes she was OK, but other times she could bite your head off. I too remember the cheap pretzel sticks. Then there was the "Dangers," the huge rocks that sat at the far back right corner of the park (NW), cordoned off with a black iron fence. There was always somebody climbing back there (not me -- too wimpy and very sternly warned about them by my mother!) I don't remember the "wading part" of the middle "pool," just the big sprays that kids would run under to get wet and cool off. I guess the water from those sprays puddled into wading height? I remember being taken to the park by my old grandfather. He used to sit in the benches along the Ft. Washington Ave. side near the entrance. It was beautifully shaded and was cooler there in the summer. I must have been 2 or 3 and I remember the highlight of these visits with him was feeding the pigeons that hung out there. First I'd feed them then I chased them! I also loved the ball field. The dirt was such a relief from the unforgiving concrete of the PS 173 schoolyard. It was the only place to place real football, where tackling was possible. We had some amazing games there ... I think we formed sort of semi-permanent teams (as opposed to "choosing up", but I'm not sure). Then of course the sledding. Every winter I would pray for snow so I could retrieve my Flexible Flyer from the cellar storage room and spend all afternoon on the hills at the SW quarter of the park. Some of the hills afforded quite a good ride and you got up some speed. It was great ... but funny, I don't like roller coasters?

Posted by: R Silberstein | June 24, 2006 1:28 PM

I live just in front this park for 8 years already. I read about the history that you wrote. Thank You. The park could have more trees.It is beautiful anyway.

Posted by: Claudia | July 9, 2006 7:43 PM

In reply to Gregory-Michael. I just returned from a visit to NY and took a subway trip up to visit the Knickerbocker Hospital. Had a nice chat with the administrator of what is now a retirement home for adults. My mother left Nova Scotia, Canada, to go to Rhode Island to take her student dietitics and then assumed a role of dietitian there. I only wished I had paid more attention to all her stories. She passed away in 2004 at the age of 97. It was a private hospital attending to the very rich. She told me how they could order anything they wanted to eat and she would either go herself or send help to the markets for fresh food every day. Her biggest thrill was when the gangster "Two-Gun Crawley" was a patient, having been injured in a gun battle. They crept up to his door to look in and were shocked to see a very young-looking boy in the bed. She said he looked like a kid. I believe she did mention a Vanderbilt having been a patient. I believe the residence was across the street and that building (if it is the one) is now a School Board Office. She left there to become Head Dietitian at the hospital in White Plains, Long Island in the late 20's. She came back to Canada around 1930 as her father was ill.

Posted by: Charlotte Wood | October 2, 2006 7:14 PM

I grew up on 171 st and Ft. Wash. and have home movies of being a little girl in the late 50s wading in the sprinklers. I also remember the concession stand, and sleigh riding down the grassy hill in the back of the park. Jew Park is what its nickname was, because in those days when the neighborhood housed many Jewish immigrants, people could not use electricity or man made technology on the Sabbath, and they would walk there to be in nature. I spent a lot of time there as a kid, twisting my ankle from roller skating down the "big hill" in the back to the water fountain; being scared of climbing on the "danger rocks" that were on the other side of the wrought iron fence from the sitting area which faced 200 Haven Ave. where you could see the GWB. I remember being afraid of "the Parkie".....and later--while in JHS 143 and then Geo. Wash. High School--playing handball by the courts near Pinehurst Avenue. My younger sister went to nursery school there. When JFK was killed, some of us patriotic kids from my fourth grade class went to the flagpole and hung our heads in honor of Kennedy's death. The fond memories are solid. Everything else changed.

Posted by: debbie | December 9, 2006 4:50 PM

i was born in da heightz 176th haven av.. i luv that park.. i grew up there for about 12 years but then i moved to north rockland and then to north carolina... but yo thats the best place to chyll and play ball.... i miss my family over there

Posted by: john | January 30, 2007 6:34 PM

Yea I wonder if there's a place where I can see old pictures of how the park used to look. It has changed so much, but still it continues to hold new memories to new generations.

Posted by: Alex | February 14, 2007 1:34 AM

Jew Park? Mr. Renner, are you not married to a jew?

Posted by: Lizzy | March 6, 2007 5:41 PM

This was a ride down memory lane..particularly as I am writing a story about early after the war and during the 50s growing up. Living in the Broadway Temple Apt..I was one block away from the park..and I remember fondly all the details..the rocks (which i did climb) the roller skating, the mining for mica, the wading pool (early early) and the skating in the winter..the concession stand..yes..all in tact. It was as I read about it, a pretty good neighborhood. School system not so good, but maybe better now, maybe not. Renner do you have anything on the Y on Fort Washington Avenue before they built the complicated link from I-95 to the bridge. Now that is worth a few good pages.

Posted by: Yvette Nachmias | July 21, 2007 3:26 PM

J Hood Wright Park still comes to me in dreams. I spent the first 20 yrs of my life, from 49-69 on Wadsworth, went to 173 and 115 then GW. My world revolved around the park. The wall was the place to hang out w/your friends (such a more innocent time). There was always someone to be with. The school yard at 173 (now much smaller) was the place to look for "the boys". The concession in the back of the park was Mrs. Downey's. I remember the pretzels she sold for 2 cents and the orange soda you'd buy in the summer that never quenched your thirst. As everyone here as said "The Heights" was the BEST place to grow up in. The memories and the people will remain in my heart forever.

Posted by: Arlene Fried Schlaeger | November 13, 2007 12:53 PM

I was born in Washington Heights and grew up there during the 60’s and 70’s. I have many fond memories of growing up in this neighborhood and have great memories of “The Park”. It was a place that welcomed all...old and young alike. My earliest recollection of The Park was going to a pre-school program held in the octagonal community center building. During the summer my grandmother would take my sister, our two cousins and me to the park. She’d give us some change and we would buy pretzels and White Rock orange or cream soda at the concession stand. I also remember they even sold Spalding "pinky's” there too. We’d all play on the metal slide (it would burn the back of your legs in the summer). I clearly remember the swings too, with the "boxy" metal seats and metal safety bar that would slide up on the chain so you could get into the seat. When we were small we’d climb on the small rock near the south-west entrance of the park and play in that sand box there. As we grew older we went to the park on our own, I used to ride my bike through the park with friends. My cousin even got a job one summer as a camp counseling aid and she’d be there everyday. I remember the older men playing chess by the community building on thoes stone playing tables; the same cop who would patrol the park on his scooter; the sprinklers; the ping-pong tables and just running the whole park having fun. One memorable winter there was a big snow storm and my uncle took us all to the park, while it was still snowing. The snow was so high we could bearly walk, that was great fun! I can honestly say that I really have only one bad memory of The Park. During Easter vacation of '72 my cousin Laura and I where playing by the rocks near the sand box when I tried to jump over one of the benches and fell on the edge of the backrest. I had to be rushed to the hospital by my aunt and the Super of her building (luckily for me he had a car). I believe I spent the rest of my vacation in the hospital. How happy we all were back then and how uncomplicated life was.

Posted by: Sandy B. | January 11, 2008 10:30 PM

I grew up on 176 right across the street from the park in the 40s and 50s. what memories...Miss Downey used to make dixie cups on a spoon, she would pierce the ice cream with a wooden spoon and peel away the cup you had to eat it quickly 'cause it melted so fast. Miss Baker was in charge of the nursery school and dispersing the knock hockey and ping pong equipment. I too splashed in the wading pool when you walked in was the baby pool maybe 6ft around then into the big pool...I think it may have been a few inches deep in the center but those fountain sprays where the best. I remember too stories about the bow-legged man a tall thin guy who used to watch and stare at kids he was weird and i remember him being accused of molestation, but who knows at that time those things were not public. I also attended 173 and graduated from 6th grade there. some of the teachers i remember were miss columbia, miss ham, miss ade, miss lawless and miss driscol almost sounds like a picnic. Riding bikes in the park was a dangerous feat if you weren't careful... i remember running intosomeone when i was learning to ride a 2 wheeler not a good thing. sleigh riding down the hills was a blast there were so many places to sled on the 176st side near the terrace and down the main meadow those were the days of simplicity neighborhood unity and wholesome fun. too bad it didn't last

Posted by: barbara schwartz wickel | March 19, 2008 9:02 AM

i recently visited nyc with my daughter and my son.my first day we took a train ride to the park,i lived at 138 haven ave.i strolled along the park and went through a journey of my childhood.the park was everything to my sis anita and myself.we played handball after school,and met our friends there.the neighborhood has changed tremendously as we walked threw,there was no view of the river and the gwb.i to remember the sabbath and all the jews as they prayed by the wood fence on haven ave.as we walked threw the streets it seemed only like yesterday i was walking to school at the corner on ft washington ave.i can still remember ms handel and my favorite ms horowitz..it was really wonderful,though no more pretzel for 2cents..i really enjoyed reading each memory on this page,i hope the 50-60's generation continues to share their memories...marlene

Posted by: marlene perdon | June 20, 2008 6:18 PM

I lived in Washington Heights in the 1940's and into the late 1950's. We lived first on 172nd St. and Broadway, then moved to 2 South Pinehurst Ave., next to the Jay Hood Wright Park. (I think that was the name.) I used to work at the concession stand in the park. I went to P.S. 173 during Mrs. Heins and then Mr. Dumbrow's Principalship. Then went to JHS 115, which is now an elementary school. (P.S.115) I actually learned to swim in the wadding pool. Sometimes the water was up to my knees. I took the shortcut to the park and jumped down from the wall on Pinehurst Ave. Playing on the rocks, skating, sledding, etc. I did it all! I have great memories of playing inside of the LITTLE RED LIGHTHOUSE. There was a place on the corner of 181st St. and Broadway that had great hot dogs. It was great fun reading everyone's comments about Washington Heights.

Posted by: Joan Baumet | July 5, 2008 5:17 PM

I to was raised in WH. I was born in St.Elizabeth Hospital which existed in the Inwood area, I'm not sure if it still exits. I lived in an apartment house that was adjacent to the J Hood Wright park on 176th street and Haven Ave. The park was my backyard. The rock outcropping in the west end of the park was my Everest and as I grew I mastered more and more of the difficult climbing areas. As mentioned by others I enjoyed the wading pool with the elevated sprinklers and the concession stand.I attended P.S. 173 while Mrs. Heinz was principal, P.S.115 junior high and George Washington HS, and then studied engineering just across the river at NYU in the Bronx. Yes the engineering school was adjacent to the Hall of Fame in the east bronx. My friends and I would each weekend go to either the RKO Colliseum or the Lowes 175th street theaters to watch a double feature, along with a serial the news and a cartoon which took us off the streets for 3.5 hours. However play in the streets was our main enjoyment,be it stickball,or slug or my favorite, baseball against the wall.There was a wall by my house which separated the residential area from the Riverside Drive complex. The wall was a center for teens to gather and socialize. The view of the George Washington Bridge and Palisades was spectacular from the wall but when you see it every day it becomes just a background.I can remember groups of maybe 15 or 20 teens at one time sitting on or standing adjacent to the wall although the norm was less. I learned the facts of life in this social environment and didn't know how well off I was till much later in life.

Posted by: alex levy | November 8, 2008 12:07 AM

I grew up on 173rd Street across from the Broadway Temple Apartments during from the time I was born and into the 40's & 50's when I graduated from GWHS. I lived there till I got married in 1958. My best friend at that time & to this day and I spent so many happy hours in "the park." We went to the sprinkler/wading pool in summer and in winter when it was frozen. We climbed the rocks and played in the park for hours on end. What a great place it was to grow up in. The "big kids" at that time hung out by the wall on Ft. Washington Avenue. We couldn't wait to get older and be accepted there.

Posted by: Barbara | January 1, 2009 5:26 PM

Oh my goodness. I'm so glad to have found this website. Some of the best childhood memories I have are of playing in that park. I was 10 years old when we left Washington Heights and moved across the bridge to NJ.I attended PS 173 from Kindergarten through 4th grade.We left in June of 1964. Reading the posts here brought back such wonderful memories.The wading pool with the sprayer in the summer and the ice skating in the winter( my first time skating there was with those double blade skates, the kind you attach to your shoes),the metal swings with the safety bar, the seesaws, monkey bars,(there was no safety padding on the ground in those days and my parents didn't think twice about letting me climb them),the water fountains with the Cement Block to help little ones reach the water.OHHH and those danger rocks!! My brothers and I thought we were the only people to call those rocks in the back "DANGER ROCKS".It warms my heart to know other kids had the same name for them. We used to squeeze around the black wrought iron fencing and make our way on the other side..If my mom had known she'd have had a small fit. The round snack stand, I remember it being a army green color.We got those pretzel rods too from the big round tin, and dixie cups with the wooden spoon. I remember pushing my doll carriage around while my mom pushed my baby brothers.I remember the checker table in the back...thats how we differentiated the playground section from that rest..the front and the back. I graduated from the "park school" with a cap and gown. My dad took movies and snapshots. I love watching the movies we have of playing in the park.Saturday afternoons were packed there sunny days after religious services. It was sooo nice, lots of baby carriages in the park too. I remember walking up to broadway for something listening to my transistor radio. A Beatle song was playing. Sleding in the winter..ahhhh the good ole days. Anyway...I lived at 720 W 172 St and would love to hear from an old neighbor...if you were 9-10 in '64 and went to PS 173...write me..nalavia@aol.com

Posted by: Sandra Dubin Gelman | January 21, 2009 3:34 AM

This is an addendum to the story. The New York Times City section dated February 22, 2009 did a story on the park mentioning J's Dog Run and the fact that James Hood Wright died suddenly in 1894 waiting for a train on Rector Street. He was born in 1836. James Renner CD 12 Historian

Posted by: James Renner | February 23, 2009 3:28 PM

I, too, played in "the Park," went to P.S. 173 in the late 1950s where I had classes with Kitty Cinelli (section 6-1), had a crush on a pretty, bright-eyed little girl named Alice who played the violin, marvelled at the wonderful decorations (and B-movies) at Loews dream theater at 175th st. and Broadway. My twin brother and I ran, laughed, fell down, played nock hockey and still occasionally drive by the old places. What a strange pleasure memory gives!

Posted by: Ron Levao | March 9, 2009 11:42 AM

I am the "twin brother" mentioned by the previous poster, Ron. He fashioned a world champion nok hockey belt from card board(modeled on professional wrestling) which I wore to The Park to challenge all comers to a game. I lost it after a great winning streak. P.S. 173 was a wonderful experience for me (through 6th grade in 1960). After 45 plus years I went back and peeked into the Auditorium on the south side, amazed at how small it had become. We had assembly every Friday morning in white shirt, red tie and navy blue trousers. I remember dressing up in a white plastic miltary-style belt with strap across my chest, affixed to which was my "captain of patrol" badge as a student patrol and shouting "FALL IN" at the top of my voice to signal the street patrol back to school. I remember Miss Cheskin, Mrs. Horowitz, Mrs. Harris and Mrs. Frank (who co-taught kindergarten), Mrs. Navazio (who was so kind to me), Ms. Handel (who was not, there, finally got even), and the principal Mr. Lichtenstein (who whistled all his sibilants, making him tragically easy to imitate) and Mrs. Schwartz who followed or preceded him (who can remember??) And yes, our alma mater: Our dear old alma mater/ Our dear one seven three/ We cheer for thee/ Abide by thee/ Our dear one seven three/ Our halls so gailey lighted/ The murals on the wall/ In classes of our lovely school/We painted one and all/ All races and religions/They come to our school/We work and play together/And live the Golden Rule/That's why we do declare thee/ The school we love the best/We'll think of you in later years/Above all the rest." Now THAT I can remember, but don't ask what I had for lunch two hours ago. Rich

Posted by: Rich Levao | March 9, 2009 1:27 PM

Yup, same thing for myself and my lil buddies growing up in the 80's. It was always referred to as "Jew park." Now, as someone who was half-Jewish and growing up in Jewish Washington Heights, I always disliked the name but wasn't offended. i figured there was a reason for it. I know know that J. Hood Wright Park was the central park for immigrant German Jews growing up in the area before, during and after WWII. In fact, as a kid i didn't realize that the "Jewish part" of The Heights actually started much lower than later on. It was in the 160's and 170's where the main settlements first appeared. But as a 10 year old kid in 1986, the area had become much different. Jews had long moved northward towards Ft.Tryon Park, in what is today known as, bleh, Hudson Heights. There is only one reminder of the German/Jewish presence in the lower Heights. that would be a long out of use synagogue on 161st between Ft. Washington and Broadway. In today's NY real estate market, how it still stands is a mystery. But back to Jew park, yeah it was a cool park but i only played there when i went to visit my friends who lived below 179th St. My parks were Bennett and Ft.Tryon, of course the superior parks. I won't discount J. hood as a "bad park." It used to have drug activity back in the days, but i'm sure that is long gone. I just preferred the designs of Bennett and Ft. Tryon far superior.

Posted by: Uptown | March 25, 2009 12:00 AM

I grew up right across the street in the building that is shown in the picture and that park has always been an amazing place to play, hang out, exercise, and stroll through. I will always remember this park when I look back on my childhood and it's great that you took the time to write a little about it. Thanks :)

Posted by: Katy | November 10, 2009 8:46 AM

I feel as if I've just discovered a treasure chest! I just read the posting from twin brother Rich Levao and almost fell over when I read the names Mrs. Horowitz and Mr. Lichtenstein --this is better than Facebook! I attended P.S. 173 from 1st through 4th grade. Mrs. Horowitz was my 4th grade teacher. She cast me as Master of Ceremonies in a history play. I remember being on stage with other children dressed as the Statue of Liberty, Paul Revere, George Washington, Betsy Ross, etc. I grew up in Washington Heights during the 50s and early 60s (left in 1963.)Actually, I was born at home, in our apartment at 620 W. 173rd Street because my mother was terrified that her baby would be switched at birth! This Thanksgiving I returned to WH for the first time in 40 years to show my husband where I grew up. We walked around the park and he took my picture in the same spot where it was taken in 1953 while holding my lovely mother's hand; on the terrace in the upper right side of the park overlooking the river with the bridge in the background. I played in this park with my cousins since I was old enough to walk. The memories are warm and comforting. I wish my granddaughters could have the benefit of such a childhood. Thank you for this page!

Posted by: Zinnia | November 30, 2009 4:40 PM

Is Louis Tavares out there? We went to P.S. 173 from 1960-1965. He was my first love and our teacher was Ms. Kramer in the 5th grade. I hung out in Jew Park on the wall with the Irish girls, and sang with Fat Freddy by the tables. Lived on Pinehurst Ave. Those were the days....

Posted by: judy purce | April 8, 2010 4:45 PM

I grew up in 70s and 80s in the Heights. I still live here. We called the Park either Jude Park or Jew Park. Some people thought that the 'j' in J. Hood Wright was for the word Jew. No offense to Jewish people. I played a lot of handball and still do. Great work out. I do remember the sprinklers and also like a lot of us falling down from the top of the monkey bars. It was great being a teenager and "hangin out" at "the wall" most of you know what this means. Remember the "fat boys" near the entrance on 173st. And Haven Ave. What a trip, man. All of the kool girls and guys used chill into the early morning hours. The metal swings were dangerous. When I was 10, my Brother walked into a swing and needed to be rushed to the hospital. The see-saw was fun until you fell off. The sandbox sometimes had glass in it and butts. In the winter we played two-hand touch football and also tackle football in the field were they had a lot of trees that we ran into. By zinc sculpture where you can see the G.W. Bridge was the makeout point and beer point and a "hangout" point. I can go and on and on. Tefrific memories and the truth about the J. Hood Wright Park. We also have best people in the Heights.

Posted by: edwin | June 5, 2010 3:08 AM

Long before I learned how to swim, J. Hood Wright Park and its sprinklers/pool provided a foretaste of the fun to be had in water. Our mother took us there in our pre-school days, in the mid-1950s, and it was a beautiful, cozy little park, always alive with kids and moms. A few years later, and just across Haven Avenue from the park, we boys would take the steps leading down to the much vaster Fort Washington Park, and the Hudson River shorleine. I don't think I"ve been in J. Hood Wright Park for at least 52 years, But I bet if I visited the place today, the memories would come back in a pleasant rush........

Posted by: GaryZaboly | June 26, 2010 4:18 PM

Reading all of the names of the teachers at PS 173 is amazing. I knew all of them on a personal level since my mother (Mrs. Rothstein) taught there at PS 173 from 1959-1988. She was head of the patrol for many years. She lives down in Georgia with us now. JH Wright park aka "Jew" park was an integral part of my growing up. One afternoon I skipped hebrew school and hung out at the park. My good fortune was that I tried to climb one of the trees in the field, and promptly got my knee caught in the fork. They had to call the fire department to get me out, it took them about 45 minutes to figure out how to do that. Of course I got busted when someone went and got my mother and there I was one foot on the ground, and the other with my knee stuck in the tree and nowhere to hide. I had a lot of "splaining" to do when I got home. It's funny how the "danger" rocks don't look that imposing when you go back as an adult and look at them. I ruined many a pair of pro keds playing handball in the park after school when I was attending 115, 143 or GWHS. When I go back to the neighborhood, I always go back and walk through the park. A real trip down memory lane reading this site. Thanks Alan

Posted by: Alan Rothstein | June 29, 2010 10:29 PM

Edwin, The two "fat boys" that hung-out near the 173 St entrance were the Italian brothers, Eddie Boy and Jonny Boy.

Posted by: sandy b. | July 14, 2010 10:39 PM

I grew up in Washington Heights (177 and Ft. Washington) till this very day. I too went to P.S. 173 from 93-97. Every summer, every weekend and sometimes after school, J. Hood park was where to be at. I remember before when it had that pool with the sprinkler in the middle and on the far left, it had these brick red huge block one could sit on and climb all the way to the top. I think this was the structure for the tire where everyone used to sit on and spin on till you threw up haha! I remember the "danger" spot and I remember climbing it with my friend Jonathan rarely. It felt like the ONLY adventure. I remember the "cave" and I remember having a kiss here and there from some girls at the time... I remember leaving things in there and seeing if it was there the next week. I do not remember the back part that much, I think there was like a black gate and I used to ride my bike behind it. The steep hill was the best/worst. I remember the bbq's, rainy days there, meeting up with girls, climbing the tree thats in front of the dog running area... Jeez. memories. I wish people could post up pictures from the park that they have from any era. If any pictures or links, post them up!

Posted by: A.C | August 19, 2010 1:05 AM

How awesome to be reading these comments. I grew up at 176th and Fort Washington Avenue and spent every waking hour playing handball across the street. You "kept' the court until you lost. Where else can you read the word "slug" and know that it doesn't refer to a slimy, wormlike creature. I went to PS 173, had Mrs. Horowitz (I think she married the gym teacher - my heart was crushed) and in 6th grade had Ms. Cinelli (Cinelli's chain gang!). Also had Mrs. Bernstein for French and 3rd grade, I think. The park will always have a special place in my heart.

Posted by: Jeff Kahn | January 1, 2011 9:40 PM

I grew up in area in the 70s and 80s, I had Jewish friends that were of German descent and we all called it Jew Park. Similar to one of the posts, I lived on 180th Street and only went to the park when I visited friends who lived south of the GW bus station. Proud to say I grew up in Washington Heights!

Posted by: bernie | June 10, 2011 5:29 PM

I was born, bred and buttered in the Heights (1944-1971)and often walked north to Jew Park with my mates, Harris Saltzberg, Buddy Bugdanski, Kenny Berger, Bobby Acito and legions of others. Climbed the Danger Rocks and waded in the sprinkler pool (You graduated to High Bridge). Sledding was terrific. There were steps built into the hill and during the blizzard of 1955 we shot down the stairs until someone put sand on them and sent Red flying through the air. Played dodge ball in the PS 173 gym and one summer learned how to weave pot holders at the school. I recently returned to the Heights for the 100th anniversary of Incarnation School. The whole neighborhood is smaller than I remembered. But there is still the buzz in the streets that made the Heights the greatest place in NYC to be brought up post WWII.

Posted by: James | July 4, 2011 6:26 PM

Talk about memories! I lived on 176th and Ft Washington from 1973 to 2001. I went to Pre K in the Octoganal building with Mrs Parding (?) An african american lady in 1974, moved on to kinder at the broadway temple and then to PS 173! We loved going to the park every day and playing on danger rocks! Two years ago, on my last rip to NY, I took my then 14 & 6 year old along with my cousin Joseline and her 6 year old and we climbed the danger rocks! Does anyone have pics of the park from back in the day?

Posted by: Roxy Medina Murillo | July 28, 2011 9:14 PM

jew park in the early 1960s, on a saturday after synagogue would end the park would completely fill with jews, mostly of german or east european decent. the first time i heard it called jew park was in the late 80s long after the neighborhood changed. i was slightly offended but amused at the name but could easily see how the park got that name. p.s. the concession sold great cracker jacks for a nickel.

Posted by: steven | August 19, 2011 8:26 AM

I too went to Pre-K at the stone octo-shaped building in Jew Park in 1965. My teacher was an African-American woman but I dont recall her name. Following year I went to PS 173 with Miss Lopez (all-time favorite teacher) and then on to Incarnation. I was born at Columbia-Presbyterian (Sloan) and basically lived my whole childhood in Wash. Hgts. (61'-79'). Had good friends and great times in the park especialy in the summer. Good to remember old times.

Posted by: S.B. | August 27, 2011 8:27 PM

Born in 1955 176 broadway and ft wash. Lived there until 1980. I still walk by the park and remember the fun times.My mom would meet with her sister and kids and we'd have lunch. How about the old sand boxes in the back? Ah, the wading pool. I still have a picture I believe 1957 with my aunt and cousin in the winter time. Oh and how many times at lunch in the winter would cross the street to navigate the huge ice blocks and not get wet. I failed. The sleigh riding was also fun, going down those stairs and under the park benches. We played tackle football there. Jerry S., Royce F. Mitchell W., Robert T. while in grade school. Still played tackle even in my early twenties with the gang from 173st. There was also the softball games. A gentleman by the name of Edward Corn had a league there. He would make the schedule and umpire all the games. He had this little spiral notebook where he wrote the lineups.On saturdays there would be a double header in the morning and the we'd go home for lunch and then he would return and park his car in front of the park and take on a first come first serve basis the kids to van cortlandt park where we would play another double header. The tournaments the park had. Who could ever forget the skully board, and the hop scotch, potsy etc.The monkey bars had no felt on the bottom to protect us, yet we did the crazy things on them. I also remember in the back we would play Johnny rides the poney boys and girls in the teenage years. Hide and seek. I'd climb a tree and stay there for what appeared forever.I also remember a big softball game between the Most (I believe someone else who wrote Judy Purce, that her brother John may have been on the team) and the (sorry can't remember name of team). The Most hung sheets on the three tier fence on who would win. They had picked themselves and they won. Such fun to a little boy. I also remember while in grade school playing punchball in the back by the handball courts. It was a mighty shot to hit it from the court behind the hand ball court over the handball court wall. And the park wall. I hung out on three parts of the wall. First by the handball court or the dead end as it was affectionately called. Then to the front of the park, where I told the first girl Jeanne L. that I liked her. Then it was on to the 173 side with the guys I played softball with.Yes I also remember fat Freddy singing in the park with Judy. He had some voice. Fun times. And yes I remember the teachers at PS 173 I graduated in 1967. Mrs. Cinelly was my 5th and 6th grade teacher. Who could forget the music teacher Miss Lazos, the art teacher Mrs. Sonnenfeld. Her son is a director in Hollywood.They did a great job. We did HMS Pinafore as a play.Who remembers the substitute teacher Miss Ornover? I also remember Mrs. Arnold who was the book clerk and then librarian. Ironically, she moved into the building I lived in in Ft Lee. She currently has a commercial on TV with her twin sister. My other teachers, Ms Richman, Mrs Igan, Mrs Bruner, Miss Press, Mrs Kremer. I remember Robert T. and I would have to bring up the NY times to our class on the fifth floor. What is interesting, my cousin who is five years older than me was a schoolyard guard and when you ran ran they put you against the wall as punishment. he'd come by and get me off the wall. However, when I recently discussed this with him he could not recall. Such more happened, but yes, it was a great time and those memories last for a lifetime. Thanks for reading!

Posted by: Paul Bonaros | October 14, 2011 4:42 PM

I grew up in Washington Heights during WW2 and lived in a apartment house on 173 St and Ft. Washington Ave. I was a member of a basket ball team that bore the name TOPHATTERS and we also hung out on the wall at J.Hood Wright park. My friends called me "Sub" because I had a face that resembled the comic strip character by the name of the SUBMARINER. I now live in Southern California with my wife of 58 years.

Posted by: Gene Buday | November 17, 2011 5:41 PM

Washington Heights & Inwood Online

J. Hood Wright Park

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