McKinley Park

Before McKinley Park existed tenement buildings stood here. They were demolished to make way for P.S 63 which opened in 1903. McKinley Park’s history is intertwined with the construction of the First Houses. Opened in 1935 these buildings were a pioneering public housing project in the United States. They utilized Works Progress Administration laborers. Funding came partly from the Federal Emergency Relief Administration. The First Houses marked a turning point. The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) gained eminent domain rights. This allowed them to seize land for public housing projects. The First Houses’ historical significance is undeniable. They were named both a New York City and National Historic Landmark in 1974. Think of the lives touched by this park’s location. Think of the children who played here. Think of the families who found housing within this neighborhood. McKinley Park wasn’t always a playground. It evolved from a site of dense housing to a vital community space. It’s a testament to urban renewal. The park offers a green respite amidst the city’s bustle. It’s a place where history and community converge. Imagine the stories these bricks could tell. The park is more than just grass and trees. It’s a living record of New York City’s past. It shows the city’s evolution in providing housing and recreational areas. McKinley Park is a vibrant part of this city’s fabric. Its history reminds us of progress challenges and the enduring human spirit.