Wasn’t this land once part of a grand estate? Parkside Playground sits where the Lorillard Spencer estate once stood. This sprawling property included a portion of Bronx Park. The Lorillard family were prominent tobacco merchants. They even built a landmark snuff mill still standing in the New York Botanical Gardens.
After Lorillard Spencer’s death in 1912 the land was divided. Over 1000 lots were sold in 1917. The proceeds benefited the family and the New York Public Library. This particular plot remained largely untouched. By 1940 a garage and car service center stood here.
Then came a transformation. The city acquired the land. It was needed for the construction of Parkside Houses. These houses surround Parkside Playground today. In 1948 the New York City Housing Authority transferred this small parcel to the Parks Department. A playground was needed for the community. The Parkside Houses were finished in 1950. Parkside Playground opened a year later.
Imagine the excitement. Eight handball courts and four basketball courts were available. There was a public restroom a wading pool and a sand pit. The children of the neighborhood had a place to play. Play equipment was installed for fun and games.
A renovation took place in 1999. The handball courts were fixed. The basketball courts received a new surface. New play equipment was added. Even a small concrete frog was installed. In 2024 green infrastructure was added to help manage stormwater.
The name Parkside Playground makes sense. The playground’s location is close to Bronx Park. Bronx Park is one of New York City’s largest parks. It includes the New York Botanical Gardens the Bronx Zoo and the NYC Parks Bronx headquarters. Parkside Playground serves as a vital green space within a large housing complex. It is a testament to the power of community and the importance of providing safe and enriching play areas for children.