What kind of a playground is named after a lawyer? Here at Van Voorhees Playground, that very question might pop into your head. You see, Van Voorhees Playground isn’t just a playground. It’s a tribute to a legacy, a family whose roots run deep in the heart of Brooklyn.
The playground honors Tracy S. Voorhees, a distinguished attorney and a decorated World War II veteran. But the story goes back further, to the mid-17th century, when Steven Coerten Van Voorhees, Tracy’s ancestor, first settled in Brooklyn. This patriarch established himself in the Flatlands neighborhood, becoming a magistrate, a pillar of the Dutch Reformed Church, and the head of a vast and influential family.
Over generations, the Van Voorhees family grew, their name becoming synonymous with Brooklyn itself. The “Van” might have eventually been dropped, but the family’s impact on the city remained, much like this playground, a testament to their enduring legacy. Today, Van Voorhees Playground stands as a vibrant space for the community, a testament to the enduring spirit of those who came before.