How about a playground named after a governor? Welcome to Governor Smith Playground. This park has a rich history. It honors Alfred Emanuel Smith. He rose from the Lower East Side to become a New York governor. Smith was the son of Irish immigrants.
Alfred E. Smith was born in 1873 and died in 1944. The park at Catherine Slip, Madison St. and South St. was dedicated on June 1, 1950.
Smith dropped out of school to help his family. His lack of education didn’t stop him. He became a renowned New York legislator. He became an executive. People called him the Happy Warrior. Some called him the King of Oliver Street. Others knew him as the First Citizen.
In 1904, Smith was elected to the State Assembly. He co-chaired the Factory Investigating Commission. He worked with State Senator Robert F. Wagner. Together, they improved labor conditions. They passed laws to raise safety standards. They also limited work hours. Smith became President of the Board of Aldermen in 1917. In 1918, he became New York’s first Irish Catholic Governor. He served four two-year terms.
Smith supported improvements to the Lower East Side. He sponsored rent control legislation. He pushed for tenant protection. He advocated for low-cost housing. In 1924, he appointed Robert Moses to a parks position.
Smith ran for President in 1928. He was the first Irish Catholic nominee. He lost to Herbert Hoover. Smith returned to New York City. He continued his public service career. He supported new housing near his birthplace. The Governor Alfred E. Smith Houses were named in his memory.
The park features two memorials to Governor Smith. Charles Keck created a bronze statue of Smith. The statue shows him standing before a podium. A gavel and brown derby sit on the podium. The statue also features a bas-relief. It depicts children playing. This represents The Sidewalks of New York song. This song was played at Smith’s rallies. Paul Manship created the flagpole base. It features animals native to New York.
By 1963, the Lower East Side needed more schools. Part of the park became Public School 126. In exchange, a recreation center was built. The Alfred E. Smith Recreation Center opened in 1967. It featured a gymnasium and community rooms.
A reconstruction project in 1997 revitalized the playground. New play equipment was installed. Animal art was added. There is now a spray shower. A fire engine slide was built. Today, Governor Smith Playground is an oasis. It is a vibrant neighborhood. It fulfills Smith’s vision. It is a happier home for his neighbors.
Look around. Notice the statue and the playground. Imagine Al Smith. He rose from humble beginnings. He dedicated his life to public service. He improved the lives of New Yorkers. Governor Smith Playground stands as a testament. It honors his legacy. It is a place for children to play and communities to gather.