Dolphin Playground Reopens After 7-Year Closure In Washington Heights

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — A beloved Washington Heights playground beneath the George Washington Bridge has reopened after being closed for more than seven years during a major bridge rehabilitation project.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey celebrated the reopening of George Washington Bridge Playground — better known locally as Dolphin Playground — on Thursday.

Subscribe

The playground, located at West 180th Street and Cabrini Boulevard, first closed in 2018 as part of the agency’s $2 billion “Restoring the George” infrastructure overhaul.

"For so many families in Washington Heights, Dolphin Playground is part of our community’s story,' New York state Assemblymember Manny De Los Santos said. "It’s where children made memories, neighbors came together, and families found joy right here in the heart of our neighborhood. After more than seven years, seeing this space reopen means a great deal to our community."

Families gathered for the reopening event, which included a children’s story time hosted by the nearby Fort Washington branch of the New York Public Library before kids returned to the play area for the first time in years.

Originally established in 1994 on Port Authority-owned land, Dolphin Playground has long been a neighborhood fixture in Washington Heights. The playground takes its nickname from a dolphin sculpture that has remained a favorite among generations of local children.

The playground previously underwent a renovation in 2015 that added accessible features and updated equipment. According to the Port Authority, the site will now operate with expanded hours and staffing. It will remain open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., weather permitting, through the end of September.

The reopening also honors the legacy of JeanLee Poggi, the longtime community advocate and leader of the West 181st Street Beautification Project, which helped operate and maintain the playground for years. Poggi died in 2021.

"Upper Manhattan is home to dozens of beautiful green, open spaces — its residents deserve to enjoy them," Councilmember Carmen De La Rosa said. "We are excited to see George Washington Bridge Park, more lovingly known as Dolphin Park, reopen for our families to use."

The playground’s reopening comes as work continues on the George Washington Bridge rehabilitation project, which includes roadway repairs, ramp reconstruction and updated pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.

The bridge’s renovated north sidewalk reopened in 2023, while reconstruction of the south sidewalk is expected to finish later this year.

For questions, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.