Pacific Park Playground Opens in Prospect Heights

Prospect Heights families take note: There’s a brand-new NYC playground to explore right in your backyard. The new playground—dubbed Pacific Park—is located right next to 595 Dean Street’s West Tower, a new residential development, and brings another kid-friendly option to the already family-friendly Prospect Heights neighborhood.

I recently visited this new playground in NYC with my 7-year-old and his friends, and it won rave reviews all around. Read on for all the details on this NYC playground and why it’s a great addition to the neighborhood.

Check out our extensive Guide to NYC Parks and Playgrounds for more top places to romp.

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Pacific Park may not be the biggest playground in NYC, but it has lots of innovative play equipment.

Designed by the architecture behind the designs for Little Island and Pier 25, Pacific Park is colorful, bright, and incorporates many whimsical design elements that appeal to both kids and adults. The playground isn’t huge, but it has enough to keep kids active and occupied for a good amount of time.

At the heart of the playground is a large, serpentine jungle gym made of ropes, perfect for kids ages 5 and older. Kids will find different ways to play—whether it’s climbing to the top, hanging from the ropes, or racing their friends from one end to the other.

On the other end of the playground is a smaller climbing structure, almost like a house, with a slide and rope ladders. Though designed for younger kids, many older kids gravitated toward it to climb atop or ride the slide. It lends itself to many different ways of play, limited only by kids’ imagination.

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Kids can jump around on big bouncy balls that are affixed to the ground.

In the middle of the playground, kids can jump on different-sized rubber balls, which have been affixed to the ground. My son and his friends really enjoyed playing on the flexible poles which worked like see-saws. Around the perimeter of the playground, kids can spin the rotating wheels to create optical illusions.

For parents, there are many benches to sit at all around the playground. Since the playground is contained within a fenced area, it’s very easy to keep a watchful eye on the kids. Its location between two large residential towers means there is lots of shade, especially on a hot day. Behind the playground is a public dog run and a picnic grove with benches.

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Grab a cone at Van Leeuwen’s Ice Cream after your visit to nearby Pacific Park.

There are many restaurants, cafes, and other amenities close by. Van Leeuwen’s Ice Cream is right around the corner, and there are lots of food options on Vanderbilt Avenue if you need a more substantial meal. While you’re in the neighborhood, don’t forget to check out all the classes and offerings at Chelsea Piers Field House, which recently opened its doors in the building right next to Pacific Park.

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There are plenty of benches to relax on while kids explore the new Pacific Park playground.

Know Before You Go to Pacific Park Playground

• Pacific Park is located at 595 Dean Street. It’s accessible by car, train, or bus, but street parking may be a little difficult, especially on the weekends.
• There’s a water fountain with a water spout for bottles.
• There are no bathrooms within the playground, but Chelsea Piers Field House is next door where you can ask to use the restroom.

All photos by the author