Wasn’t it a swamp once? That’s what the name suggests. Vleigh Playground in Kew Gardens Hills Queens. The name Vleigh comes from the Dutch word vlaie meaning swamp or valley. This refers to the nearby Flushing Meadows a swampy area in colonial times. Imagine a time before the playground. Before the apartment complexes of Dara Gardens Georgetown Mews and Pomonok Houses. Before PS 165 Edith K Bergtraum School stood nearby. Before the Queens Boulevard line made Kew Gardens Hills attractive. This area was farmland owned by families like the Campbells Jacksons and Millers.
In the early 20th century golf courses occupied parts of this land. The hilly terrain and views attracted those who enjoyed a game of golf. But things changed. The subway extension in 1936 brought Manhattan closer. Entrepreneur Abraham Wolosoff saw potential. He purchased land developing the area into Kew Gardens Hills. The growth after World War II led to the need for a school. The city recognized the importance of preserving open space. They acquired the land in 1949.
Vleigh Playground opened on January 15 1952. It was initially called PS 165 Playground. This playground provides much-needed space for children in a dense urban area. It’s a small slice of history. A quiet corner where you can imagine the past. A reminder of how this place transformed from farmland and golf courses to a vibrant neighborhood playground. The playground has a history as rich as the Dutch origins of its name. The name preserves a memory of the swampy Flushing Meadows. It reflects the changes this neighborhood has experienced. Vleigh Playground is a testament to the ongoing evolution of Kew Gardens Hills. It’s a small park. It’s a big part of this community’s story. Take a moment to appreciate Vleigh Playground’s place in this community’s history.