“A community’s heart beats strongest where its children laugh.” That perfectly describes Gene Gray Playground. Here at the corner of Cross Bay Boulevard and East 9th Street, Gene Gray Playground isn’t just a park. It’s a testament to a man named Eugene Gray and his love for Broad Channel. He was born in Brooklyn in 1927, but Broad Channel became his home. Gene Gray poured his heart into this community. He was a youth program leader, the president of the Broad Channel Athletic Club, and a football coach for over two decades. He even helped create the local Teen Club. This playground, the first adventure playground in Broad Channel, was a project close to his heart. Sadly, he passed away in 1973 before seeing it completed. But the community didn’t forget him. In 1987, they ensured his legacy lived on. This very playground was named in his honor. Gene Gray Playground officially opened on November 12, 1987. The construction cost was $457,688. Architect Richard Dattner designed the playground with a nautical fortress theme, a nod to Broad Channel’s history tied to the sea. Kids can climb aboard a walkway bridge designed like a ship, complete with a bow, stern, and a ramp resembling a gangplank. The playground also boasts a beautiful 75-year-old willow tree. Nine red maple trees and ninety burning bushes add to the park’s beauty. So next time you’re at Gene Gray Playground, remember the man behind the name. Remember his dedication to the youth of Broad Channel. It’s more than just swings and slides. It’s a tribute to a man who believed in the power of community and the importance of giving children a place to play.
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