Did you know that Anibal Aviles Playground has a history stretching back to the mid-19th century? This Manhattan Valley area transformed significantly over time. Let’s dive into the story of this vibrant playground.
Anibal Aviles Playground sits on West 108th Street between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues. This location is in Manhattan Valley, south of Morningside Heights and north of the Upper West Side. The name “Manhattan Valley” became popular in the 1960s. It describes the slope of Manhattan Avenue above 100th Street.
Back in the mid-1800s squatters and shantytowns occupied this area. The construction of Central Park in 1859 cleared away these temporary dwellings. Later in the 1870s, several asylums for the elderly and disadvantaged were built here. The New York Cancer Hospital also had its original home in this neighborhood. It is now the world-renowned Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
The city acquired this property on March 8, 1943. Initially it was planned as the site for Wendell Wilkie Vocational High School. Budget constraints led to abandoning these high school plans. The property was then given to the Board of Education for building J.H.S. 54 in 1948.
The adjacent playground was jointly operated. Parks acquired it on July 20, 1950. On December 29, 1969, a local law changed the name from J.H.S. 54 Playground to Anibal Aviles Playground.
Major renovations took place in December 1993. Mayor David N. Dinkins sponsored this $224,000 project. The playground now features modular play equipment and swings. Benches, wide open play areas and a flagpole with a yardarm are present. You’ll also notice many London planetrees. These trees are known for their ability to thrive in urban settings.
Friends of Anibal Aviles Playground actively supports the park. They are a group of parents, schoolchildren, residents, neighbors and businesses. They maintain and improve the playground’s facilities. Daniel Marks Cohen is the President of this group.
In 2015, the Friends successfully persuaded the NYC Parks Department to install a new child safety fence. In 2016, the park was part of TD Bank’s “Rooted in New York” campaign. It was also included in the Parks Department’s “Community Parks Initiative.” This allowed the playground equipment and grounds to be painted in October 2016.
The Friends also participated in the New Yorkers for Parks “Daffodil Project” in December 2016. They planted 250 bulbs with children and parents from a local preschool.
“It’s My Park Day” events are a regular feature here. In 2017, one event featured the puppet show “Cinderella Samba”. Another included a bilingual puppet show “Mi Bebe es un Heroe”.
Anibal Aviles Playground continues to be a vital community space. It offers fun, recreation and a touch of green in the heart of Manhattan Valley. Remember its rich history as you enjoy this lively playground.