We (the families of Washington Heights) respectfully request that the operating hours of Dolphin Park be adjusted from 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.

The current schedule makes it difficult for many neighborhood families to use the park. During the school year, children are in school until the afternoon, and in the summer many attend camp or daycare until after 4:00 p.m. Additionally, many parents work until 5:00 p.m., leaving little or no opportunity to visit before the park closes.

Many residents have expressed that they are grateful the park is open but have been unable to take advantage of it because of its limited hours. Shifting the hours to 12:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m. would provide families with an opportunity to visit after school, camp, or work while maintaining the same total number of supervised operating hours and, presumably, similar staffing costs.

We believe this simple adjustment would significantly increase community access and allow more neighborhood children and families to enjoy this valuable public resource.