Before you stands a place of community. This is North Rochdale Playground. It’s more than just swings and slides. It’s a place with a history rooted in the heart of Rochdale Village.
North Rochdale Playground sits on Baisley Boulevard and Bedell Street. It serves South Jamaica and the Rochdale community. The adjacent P.S. 30 also uses it. This partnership began in December 1960. Parks and the Board of Education agreed to joint operation. Parks maintains the playground facilities.
But there is a story before the playground. This land was once the Jamaica Racetrack. The Metropolitan Jockey Club opened it in 1903. Fifteen thousand people attended the opening. The track was one mile long and oval-shaped. It was known for fast races because of its drainage. The grandstand had 9,000 seats. On Memorial Day 1945, it housed 64,679 spectators.
Sadly, the Jamaica Racetrack declined. It closed on August 1, 1959. In 1963, Rochdale Village was built here. Architect Herman Jessor designed it. Abraham Kazan of the United Housing Foundation funded it. The project cost $86 million.
First, they demolished the racetrack. Then, they built 20 fourteen-story buildings. Rochdale Village housed 5,860 families. It was for middle-income families. The United Housing Foundation included a shopping center. They also provided space for three schools. Rochdale Village was once the largest private housing complex. Later, Herman Jessor’s Co-op City surpassed it.
North Rochdale Playground opened on April 29, 1966. It was about three years after Rochdale Village. It was first named P.S. 30 Playground. In March 1986, it received its current name.
In March 1998, North Rochdale Playground was renovated. Council Member Thomas White, Jr. sponsored it. The renovation cost $275,000. They installed new play equipment and fences. The property was also re-paved.
Today, North Rochdale Playground has a basketball court. There is also a spray shower. You will find two types of swings. A multi-purpose schoolyard also exists. Handball courts are available too. The Police Athletic League runs a camp here in the summer. It uses the park-house for neighborhood youth.
North Rochdale Playground is open daily. Its hours are from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. It’s a place for outdoor recreation. You can relax, play sports or have a picnic.
So, as you explore, remember the layers of history beneath your feet. From racetrack to housing complex to playground, this space has always been a place for people. Take a moment to appreciate North Rochdale Playground.