Highland Park
Highland Park is home to a vibrant community garden and walking trails around the Ridgewood Reservoir.
101 acres pristine natural areas!
Highland Park, located on the Brooklyn-Queens border features three playgrounds, six ball fields, basketball and handball courts, picnic and volleyball, tennis courts, and a multipurpose sports field. We invite you to come see the community garden, cared for by local residents. In Upper Highland Park there are walking trails around the pristine natural areas of the Ridgewood Reservoir as well as picnic areas and a historic stone bridge dating from 1902
Check out some of what Highland Park has to offer in the features below.
Highland Park Photo Gallery
Highland Park by photographer Hannah Mrakovčić.
Highland Park Features
Highland Park there is something for everyone! Endless possibilities for sports and physical exercise are available here. Have a picnic or barbecues and bring the whole family! If you just come for a walk or jog don't miss the beautiful and historic Ridgewood Reservoir located in the upper park. We hope to see you soon!
Ball Fields
Take a swing at the many ball fields located in the lower park section. Our fields are great for a game of softball or baseball with some friends and family.
Basketball Courts
Dribble your way over to our four full basketball courts in the lower section. You can also cool off in our tree-covered two-half courts in the upper playground off Heath Place and Highland Boulevard.
Handball Courts
Serve and cut your shots at our ten handball courts located in the lower park section above the tennis courts.
Picnic & Barbecue
Surrounded by trees behind the Vermont Place parking lot, is our picnic and barbecue area. It features picnic tables, double and single grills and an open lawn to make your family reunion or special celebration a memorable event. Barbecuing is allowed in designated areas ONLY, not under trees. All coals must be discarded in coal bins and litter must be disposed of in trash receptacles. Behind the picnic area you will also find four volleyball courts. Please bring your own nets. Groups of 20 or more need to apply for a Parks permit, which takes 30 days to process.
Playground
Highland Park has two playgrounds. In the lower park section, on Jamaica Avenue and Elton Street near the comfort station, there is a spray shower swings, climbing wall, tables and benches. There is also another playground at Highland Boulevard and Bulwer Place that has swings, play equipment and a basketball court area.
Tennis Courts
Our tennis courts are nestled on a ridge in the lower park section. You will find ten full courts and eight youth courts. Our tennis season is from April through November and permits are required to play.
Community Garden
Our .9 acre community garden is located off on Jamaica Avenue and Ashford Street. It is more than 100 years old. The 30 rentable plots are 5 feet x 20 feet in size. Features include compost and rain harvesting areas as well as herbs, perennial flowers and fruit beds. Our community garden hosts educational programs, events and provides a place to grow organic produce.
Sports Field
Behind the community garden is a multipurpose synthetic turf sports field that serves as an open play area for soccer, football, and other athletic activities.
Ridgewood Reservoir
The main entrance to the Ridgewood Reservoir is across the Vermont Place parking lot. It once served as the major water source for Brooklyn. Today, it is a great place to walk, jog, or bird watch. The main path around the reservoir is 1.18 miles and connects to the Brooklyn-Queens Greenway, allowing visitors to easily access the park from both boroughs. Along the path, you will see great city views, native plants and wildlife.
Permit Requests:
Organized leagues or special events need a permit to use any athletic area. For people under 18, the permit is free. For those 18 and over, a fee is required. A parks permit takes 30 days to process.
You can apply online at www.nyc.gov/parks
For information on hours and programs, please call 718-393-7272