Audubon Playground

What secrets does a turtle hold? Here at Audubon Playground, a larger-than-life, black, cast-stone turtle greets you. Audubon Playground isn’t just a place for kids to climb and swing. It’s a tribute to a man who climbed mountains and swung through the wilderness to capture the beauty of birds. John James Audubon, the namesake of this playground, the school across the street, and even Audubon Avenue, left an indelible mark on the world. This Washington Heights playground, stretching from 169th to 170th Streets on Audubon Avenue, opened in 1962. Originally called P.S. 128 Playground, it was renamed Audubon Playground in 1986. Audubon, born in Haiti in 1785, was captivated by birds from a young age, even sneaking out of class to watch them. He studied art in Paris, then managed his father’s Pennsylvania estate where he began painting, hunting, and banding birds. His wife, Lucy Bakewell Audubon, provided unwavering support as they moved to Louisville, Kentucky, and later back to Pennsylvania. Audubon Playground stands as a testament to Audubon’s legacy. His detailed bird illustrations, published as *Birds of America*, captured the essence of American wildlife before widespread settlement. His later work on mammals, with the help of his sons, further solidified his reputation. The Audubon Society, founded in his honor in 1905, continues his conservation efforts. Here at Audubon Playground, beneath the shade of London Planetrees and near a striking yardarm flagpole, the spirit of Audubon lives on. His journey, from classroom truant to celebrated naturalist, echoes in the laughter of children playing, reminding us of the importance of observing, appreciating, and protecting the natural world.