Heckscher Playground

Heckscher Playground is not only the oldest playground in the Park (created in 1927), but it’s also the largest at 1.8 acres—providing plenty of space for kids with lots of energy! This playground includes swings, slides, a maze-like climber, an extensive water feature, and other fun equipment with a stunning view of midtown Manhattan. Its primary entrance is the central breezeway of the Heckscher Building, which houses restrooms—making it a convenient place for families to spend the day.

Heckscher Playground was renovated during the 1960s and 1970s with adventure-style play features designed by Richard Dattner. Adventure-style playgrounds—an alternative to playgrounds with traditional equipment—typically include interconnected play features that encourage exploration and imaginative play. The Park’s other adventure-style playgrounds are the East 72nd Street Playground, Ancient Playground, Tarr Family Playground, Adventure Playground, and Billy Johnson Playground. The Conservancy rebuilt Heckscher Playground in 2006.

Central Park has 21 playgrounds that are unique in design and character. Most of them were built in the 1930s as part of a system of playgrounds located along the Park perimeter. Since 2011—as part of the Plan for Play initiative—the Conservancy has been renovating all the Park’s playgrounds, with the goal of bringing each of them up to the same standard of excellence and making them feel more connected to the Park’s surrounding landscapes.