Wow What a transformation This Greene Terrace Playground wasn’t always a vibrant hub of activity.
Greene Terrace Playground nestled between DeGraw and Douglass Streets has a rich history. It wasn’t always a playground. Originally it was simply a plot of land. This land was once part of a large farm owned by the Ryerson family. Generations of Ryersons worked the land. They farmed it until the 1830s. Then the land was sold for residential development.
The area became part of the growing Clinton Hill neighborhood. This neighborhood began as a quiet middle-class residential area. At the turn of the century some areas became quite wealthy. That affluence didn’t last though. By the 1920s wealthier residents moved to Manhattan. Apartment buildings replaced the grand mansions.
With a growing population more housing was needed. Existing buildings were demolished. A new school was built in their place. The playground’s story begins after the school was built.
The city acquired the land in 1956. The playground opened to the public in 1961. It became a joint project between the Parks Department and P.S. 11 school. The school used the playground during the day. The community could use it after school hours.
The playground saw several improvements over the years. A 1997 renovation included new play equipment and safety surfaces. A more recent renovation in 2025 added multigenerational play spaces. It even includes a new water play area.
Before its current name the playground was known as Double D Playground. That name came from its location between DeGraw and Douglass Streets. In 1988 the playground was renamed to honor local community leader Thomas Greene.
Today Greene Terrace Playground is a bustling place. Families gather for picnics. Children play on the basketball and handball courts. In summer the nearby Douglass-Degraw pool adds another attraction. The playground stands as a testament to community spirit and the power of transformation. It evolved from farmland to a school site to the vibrant community space it is today. Enjoy your time here at Greene Terrace Playground.