Clutching a half-eaten ice cream cone, a little girl at Auburndale Playground points towards the swings. “Grandpa,” she asks, “did Native Americans play here too?” Her question echoes a fascinating truth about Auburndale Playground. Long before the joyful shrieks of children filled the air, the Matinecock, an Algonquin tribe, called this “chilly country” their home. Auburndale Playground, nestled within the heart of the Auburndale neighborhood, holds within its chain-link fences a rich history. It’s a history that spans centuries, from the time of the Matinecock to the bustling present day. In 1639, Governor William Kieft, representing Dutch interests, purchased the land encompassing present-day Queens, including the site of Auburndale Playground, from the Matinecock. The area remained predominantly farmland until 1901. That year marked a significant turning point, when the New England Development and Improvement Company acquired a large plot, transforming the landscape. Auburndale Playground itself opened much later, on May 3, 1962, originally named P.S. 32 Playground after the adjacent school. It wasn’t until 1987 that it officially became Auburndale Playground. Today, children scramble over the play equipment, echoing the energy of a bygone era. The playground’s basketball courts ring with the rhythmic thud of bouncing balls. The spray shower offers a welcome respite on hot summer days. And the sturdy London planetrees, known for their resilience, provide a leafy canopy. The little girl’s question about the Matinecock reminds us that Auburndale Playground, like the city around it, is a place of layers. It’s a place where the echoes of the past intertwine with the laughter of the present. A place where history and recreation blend seamlessly, creating a unique space for generations to enjoy.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to