Opened in 1966 South Rochdale Playground stands as a testament to community resilience. It wasn’t always a playground. This land once held the Jamaica Racetrack a bustling thoroughbred horse racing venue. Thousands flocked to its grandstand. The track hosted record crowds like the Memorial Day 1945 event with over 64000 spectators. However time took its toll. The track eventually closed in 1959.
Then came Rochdale Village. Architect Herman Jessor designed this massive cooperative housing community. Developer Abraham Kazan spearheaded the project transforming the old racetrack site. He invested $86 million building fourteen-story apartment buildings. Rochdale Village became home to thousands of families. It was once the largest private housing complex in the world. Ten acres were reserved for a shopping center and space for schools.
South Rochdale Playground opened a few years later nestled within Rochdale Village. It serves the surrounding communities including P.S. 80 the Thurgood Marshall Magnet School. Parks and the Board of Education partnered to operate this space. Parks maintains the playground. A major renovation in 1995 thanks to Council Member Thomas White Jr revitalized the playground. The renovation cost $656000. Today it boasts a basketball court handball courts and swings.
The playground isn’t just a place for recreation. It offers accessible play features. These include ground-level play areas and water features. There are mobility transfer systems. Accessible swings are available for younger children. There are benches with armrests and companion seating for wheelchair users. The playground even features sensory-friendly spaces. It provides multi-sensory experiences for children with sensory impairments. These include auditory tactile and visual elements. This inclusive design is a welcoming space.
South Rochdale Playground isn’t simply a park. It’s a living piece of history. It tells a story of transformation. It demonstrates community planning. It showcases the evolution of a once-bustling racetrack into a vibrant community hub. So enjoy the swings the courts and the sense of community here at South Rochdale Playground.