Did you know Clark Playground and the adjacent junior high school are named after Elijah D. Clark? He was a dedicated Bronx educator and administrator. Clark’s story is quite inspiring.
Clark started his career as a teacher in the New York City public school system. He rose through the ranks. In the late 1950s he became an assistant principal at a Bronx elementary school.
When the Board of Education planned J.H.S. 149, Clark was chosen as principal. This was a significant honor recognizing his leadership and commitment. The City acquired the land for the school and Clark Playground in 1956.
After years of planning and construction, the school and playground opened in 1961. Clark served as principal throughout the 1960s. His dedication to J.H.S. 149 was evident in its earliest years. The Board of Education recognized this. They named both facilities after him. It was a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to education.
Playgrounds have a rich history in New York City. At the turn of the 20th century, children’s lives were very different. Child labor laws were not fully in place until 1938. Children often socialized with adults in dance halls and gambling dens. The play movement aimed to change this. It sought to remove children from the streets’ dangers and provide safe spaces.
The Playground Association of America was formed in 1906. Theodore Roosevelt, its first Honorary President, famously said, “City streets are unsatisfactory playgrounds for children.” He cited dangers, illegal games, summer heat, and the risk of crime.
Familiar names were involved in this movement. Jacob Riis, a photographer and journalist, was the first Honorary Vice President. Jane Addams, a legendary reformer, led the campaign for safe spaces.
New York City’s demand for playgrounds predates the national campaign. The Tenement House Committee first studied the issue in 1884. Organized movements began in 1889 and 1891. These were led by the Brooklyn Society for Parks and Playgrounds and the New York Society for Parks and Playgrounds.
Early playgrounds were seen as “pleasure resorts”. They were also called “vacation playgrounds”. Newspapers in the early 20th century emphasized their role in restoring children’s social morality.
One New York Times article from 1890 claimed playgrounds would lessen the need for hospitals and asylums. They would provide children with a chance to improve physically, morally, and mentally.
A 1905 Washington Post article credited playgrounds with saving children from evil influences. Playgrounds broke up gang fights. They provided a road to “good American citizenship”. Playgrounds let children release their energy properly. This was better than being among garbage cans and alleys.
This movement transformed existing parks. Parks shifted from “keep off the grass” spaces to outlets for sports and games. They were intended for the people. Playgrounds were specifically designed for poor tenement children. They featured play equipment and provided balls, bats, and trained leaders. Popular sports included lawn tennis, baseball, and football.
Each playground had organized competitive teams. Junior clubs were for ages 7-14. Senior clubs were for ages 14-18. Playgrounds competed citywide. The Playground Games was a grand tournament each summer. It grew to over 20,000 contenders in 1917.
Even in the early days of playgrounds, children took their play seriously. In 1912, a group of Bronx children organized a strike. They boycotted the Bronx House Playground. They protested the firing of its playground leader. A bold 10-year-old led the strike. He organized dozens of children to picket the playground. They threatened anyone who tried to enter.
The strikers carried pickets with skull and crossbones. Terrifying pictures of boys with blackened eyes warned potential strikebreakers. Their tamest threats proclaimed “MR. BROWN OR PLAYGROUND CLOSED”. Mr. Brown was the play leader in question.
The strike only lasted several days. However, it made a lasting impression. The Parks & Playgrounds Association President seemed disappointed. He told the children that the success of the playground depended on boys who admitted their mistakes.
Mr. Brown’s offense was leading children on unauthorized expeditions. The children did succeed in getting his status placed under “serious reconsideration”.
Today, Clark Playground continues this legacy. It offers a space for children to play, learn, and grow. It stands as a reminder of Elijah D. Clark’s dedication and the importance of safe play spaces for children.