Davis Playground

Did William T. Davis ever imagine a playground bearing his name? Here at Davis Playground on Staten Island, the legacy of this remarkable man thrives. Davis Playground isn’t just swings and slides. It’s a tribute to a Staten Island native, a man who dedicated his life to understanding and preserving the wonders of his home. William T. Davis, born in 1862, wasn’t just a local historian. He was an amateur scientist and a key figure in establishing Staten Island’s park system. He worked at the New York Produce Exchange for almost thirty years. But his true passions lay in local history and the natural sciences. Despite limited formal scientific education, he became a respected authority. He learned through keen observation, firsthand experience, and mentorship from prominent naturalists like Nathaniel Lord Britton. Britton was the first director of the New York Botanical Gardens. Davis also learned from Charles Leng, another distinguished naturalist. In 1881, while still working at the Produce Exchange, Davis helped found the Staten Island Institute of Arts and Sciences. He became its first curator. Retiring in 1909, Davis devoted himself fully to his passions. He became a prolific writer, publishing numerous scientific papers. He also compiled a five-volume history, “Staten Island and its People,” published in 1930. His contributions extended beyond writing. He played a crucial role in establishing the Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary in New Springville in 1933. Three years later, he helped create the Staten Island Zoo. This sanctuary, a 260-acre nature education center, became New York’s first wildlife refuge. It was officially designated the William T. Davis Wildlife Refuge in 1982. Interestingly, Davis was also an internationally recognized authority on cicadas. These insects have a fascinating life cycle. They spend seventeen years underground, then emerge to mate. Davis Playground, jointly operated by the Parks Department and the Board of Education, opened in 1969. Originally named Public School 31 or William T. Davis School Playground, it was renamed Davis Playground in 1985. Today, Davis Playground offers a spacious asphalt area, a basketball court, and numerous benches. It’s a vibrant community space where children play, socialize, and carry on the spirit of William T. Davis.