“Annadale Playground. Where did that name come from?” I wonder aloud. Annadale Playground stands as a testament to community and history in New York City. The playground got its name in 1985. Commissioner Stern changed the name from P.S. 175 Playground to Annadale Playground. Before that, it was named after the adjacent school.
Annadale Playground shares its name with the Staten Island neighborhood of Annadale. But there’s no proven link between the two. Local lore says Annadale was named for Anna. Anna was the wife of a beloved shipbuilder.
The land where we now stand was acquired in 1949. The city acquired it through condemnation. Parks took control in 1951. From then on, the Board of Education jointly operated the playground.
In 2000, Annadale Playground received a $60,000 renovation. Mayor Giuliani sponsored the project. The renovation included new paving. It also included miscellaneous site repairs.
Today, Annadale Playground has a lot to offer. There’s play equipment for the kids. We can see handball courts for a quick game. Swings invite us to relax. Basketball courts call out to athletes. Chess tables await strategic minds. A spray shower offers relief on hot days.
The neighborhood surrounding Annadale Playground is Rego Park. The REal GOod Construction Company gave Rego Park its name. They developed the area in the 1920s. Before that, Chinese immigrants owned farmland here. They grew Asian produce for Chinatown.
Annadale itself on Staten Island dates back to 1860. It was named after Anna Seguine. Anna was the wife of Stephen Seguine. Stephen was the treasurer of the railway. He was also a descendant of French Huguenots.
Annadale on Staten Island has a rich history. In the early 1700s, many streets were named after families. Spanish immigrants bought land along the shoreline in 1923. It became known as Spanish Camp or Spanish Colony.
Annadale is known for its stunning ocean views and beautiful parks. Blue Heron Park and Nature Center is the largest. Annadale Green is another notable park. In 1953, a plaque was erected there. It honors fallen soldiers from World War II and the Korean War.
Annadale also has many churches. Church of the Holy Child is on Amboy Road. Messiah Lutheran is on Drumgoole Road East. St. Michael’s Home Cemetery is on Woodrow Road.
As we leave Annadale Playground, remember its story. It’s a story of community. It is also a story of change. It is a vibrant part of New York City. It connects us to the past. It also provides joy for the present.