Bennett Park is a compact public park at Pinehurst Avenue between West 183rd and West 185th Streets in Washington Heights, Manhattan, New York City. Donated to the City in 1897 by newspaper publisher James Gordon Bennett Jr., it contains the marker for Manhattan’s highest natural point, 265.05 feet above sea level. Travelers come for a quiet break above the Hudson-side heights, a small playground, and a tangible geographic landmark in a residential corner of Upper Manhattan.
What to Expect at Bennett Park
This is a neighborhood-scale park rather than a destination for a long hike: its appeal lies in its elevated setting and local character. Look for the bronze-and-stone highest-point marker near the Pinehurst Avenue and West 183rd Street side. Installed by the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, it identifies the summit at 265.05 feet, a fact that makes this modest landscaped space an unusually satisfying stop for geography-minded visitors.
Mature trees, lawns, benches, paved walks, and retaining walls break up the sloping site. The park also has a children’s playground and basketball facilities, so weekday afternoons bring families and pickup games rather than a formal sightseeing crowd. James Gordon Bennett Jr., publisher of the New York Herald, gave the land in memory of his father; the park’s name and its late-19th-century origin connect a present-day recreation space to Washington Heights’ rapid development after the arrival of elevated transit.
- Manhattan high-point marker: Find the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey marker identifying the borough’s highest natural elevation, 265.05 feet.
- Pinehurst Avenue setting: The park occupies a leafy, elevated stretch of Washington Heights with a distinctly residential feel.
- 1897 land gift: James Gordon Bennett Jr. donated the site to the City in honor of his father, the newspaper publisher James Gordon Bennett Sr.
- Playground: A compact play area gives families a practical stop between neighborhood walks and transit connections.
- Basketball and seating: Courts, benches, shade trees, and paved paths make the park useful for a short rest or casual recreation.
Bennett Park at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Pinehurst Avenue between West 183rd and West 185th Streets, New York, NY 10033 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Washington Heights, Upper Manhattan |
| Operating Hours | Daily, 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. |
| Admission / Price Range | Free public park; no ticket required |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 30 to 45 minutes; allow longer with children or a neighborhood walk |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | A train to 181 St or 1 train to 181 St; no dedicated visitor parking |
| Official Website & Phone | NYC Parks: Bennett Park; call 311 in New York City |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Come in the morning for the calmest benches and clearest chance to photograph the elevation marker without playground activity around it. There are no reservations, entry gates, or admission desk. The A train’s 181 St station and the 1 train’s 181 St station are both useful approaches, but expect an uphill walk through Washington Heights; check MTA service information before leaving. Street parking is limited and competitive, and the park has no dedicated lot.
The site’s hilltop topography means grades, retaining walls, and stairs are part of the experience. Paved park routes and the Pinehurst Avenue edge are the most practical approach for strollers and wheelchair users, while visitors should avoid assuming every internal connection is step-free. Pair a visit with the Audubon Terrace cultural complex and the Hispanic Society Museum & Library on Broadway, roughly 10 to 12 minutes on foot, or walk south toward the United Palace on West 175th Street. Fort Washington Avenue and its independent cafés are also close enough for a coffee or casual meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Bennett Park’s hours, and when is the best time to go?
Bennett Park is generally open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Morning is best for a quiet visit and easier access to seating; late afternoon is livelier with local families and basketball activity. Visit during daylight if the high-point marker is your main goal.
Does Bennett Park charge admission or require reservations?
Admission is free, and no reservation or timed entry is required. It is maintained by NYC Parks as an open public neighborhood park, so visitors can simply enter from Pinehurst Avenue or the surrounding streets during park hours.
How much time should I budget for Bennett Park?
Budget 30 to 45 minutes to find the elevation marker, walk the grounds, and take a break on a bench. Families using the playground or travelers adding Audubon Terrace, the United Palace, or Fort Washington Avenue should allow 1.5 to 2 hours.
Is Bennett Park suitable for children and wheelchair users?
Yes for families: the playground and open seating make it an easy local stop, though children should be supervised around changing grades. Wheelchair and stroller users can use paved areas from Pinehurst Avenue, but the park’s steep terrain and stair-linked sections can limit internal circulation; the marker may require choosing the least-sloped available route.
When planning your New York travel guide or browsing verified parks in New York, pair this stop with standout local spots including Storetu, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of the City of New York, and Mannahatta Park (0.1 km away).
