J. Hood Wright Park

J. Hood Wright Park is a 6.7-acre public park located in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City. The park is situated between Fort Washington Avenue and Haven Avenue, spanning from West 173rd Street to West 176th Street. It is named after J. Hood Wright, a wealthy banker and financier who lived in a mansion at 175th Street and Haven Avenue in the late 19th century.

The park was acquired by the City of New York through condemnation in 1925 to address the need for green space in the neighborhood. It features natural rock formations along its western boundary, including a cave similar to those found in Inwood Hill Park. One of the park's notable features is an outcropping of Manhattan schist at its southwest corner, showcasing the area's geological history.

J. Hood Wright Park offers visitors stunning vistas of the Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge from its northwest corner overlook. This vantage point is also home to the "3000 A.D. Diffusion Piece," a sculpture by Terry Fugate-Wilcox installed in 1974. Made of magnesium and aluminum plates bolted together, the artwork is expected to gradually diffuse over time, reaching its final form by the year 3000.

The park has undergone several renovations and improvements over the years. In recent times, it has benefited from substantial capital improvements, including the reconstruction of its playground and court game areas. The playground equipment was custom-designed to resemble the nearby George Washington Bridge, adding a unique local touch to the recreational space.

J. Hood Wright Park is supported by a community organization called the Friends of J. Hood Wright Park, which is involved in organizing community events, clean-ups, and gardening activities within the park. This active community engagement helps maintain the park as a vibrant and well-kept space for local residents and visitors alike.