Baskets brimming with sandwiches. That’s the scene today at the Picnic Area on Marcus Garvey Pool Deck. This isn’t just any picnic spot. It’s a place tied to community and history. Let’s uncover the story of this unique location.
The Picnic Area on Marcus Garvey Pool Deck is a distribution point. Free lunches are provided here for school-aged children on pool opening days. It stands on the main pool deck of Marcus Garvey Park. The park itself has a rich history. It was created in 1840.
Originally named Mount Morris Park, it honored Robert Morris. He was the mayor of New York City at the time. In 1973, it was renamed Marcus Garvey Park. This honored the black activist and businessman. Marcus Garvey was a significant figure in black nationalism.
Before becoming a park, the area was known as Slang Berg. Dutch settlers gave it this name. It means Snake Hill. Native Americans used the rocky hill as a lookout. They could see over the entire island. Its nearness to the Harlem River made it strategically important.
During the American Revolutionary War, Hessian soldiers mounted a battery here. They commanded the mouth of the Harlem River. The park’s landscape has evolved over time. In 1869, Ignaz Pilat landscaped the square. He created graded walks leading to the summit.
The New York Times predicted that the park would attract people. Croquet playing and picnic parties were expected. A band of music would also draw crowds. Robert Moses revitalized the park in the 1930s. He installed masonry walls and paved walks. Stairs and terraces were added.
The park has a fire watchtower. Julius H. Kroehl designed it. It was erected in 1855-57. The tower is made of cast iron. It allowed observers to search for fires. This was important when most buildings were made of wood.
Marcus Garvey Park has been a central part of Harlem life. It’s a meeting place for neighbors. It’s also a play area for schoolchildren. The Picnic Area on Marcus Garvey Pool Deck continues this tradition. It provides a vital service to the community. It supports children with free lunches. It is a place where history meets the present.
The park also hosts events like the Harlem Cultural Festival. This concert series was known as Black Woodstock. It occurred in the summer of 1969.
So, as you enjoy your time here, remember the layers of history beneath your feet. The Picnic Area on Marcus Garvey Pool Deck is more than just a place to eat. It’s a symbol of community and resilience. It’s a reminder of the park’s rich past.