Tucked away in Queens Village, Wayanda Park whispers tales of a fascinating past. It’s a place where children’s laughter now echoes over land once steeped in quiet solemnity. Wayanda Park wasn’t always a playground. Originally, in the mid-1800s, this very spot served as a public burial ground for the Town of Jamaica. The old village cemetery, having become Prospect Cemetery, was no longer suitable for public burials. So this land, part of “the Little Plains,” became the final resting place for many.
Wayanda Park holds a unique piece of Queens history. Few records remain of those interred here. A single newspaper article from 1872 paints a stark picture. The article describes the then-potter’s field as “desolate,” devoid of tombstones. Wooden stakes, susceptible to decay, marked the graves. Burials were segregated, with white persons in one area and “colored” persons in another. The number of individuals buried here remains shrouded in mystery.
The park’s transformation began in 1898. Queens County became part of New York City. The cemetery’s use ended. P.S. 34 arose next door on Springfield Boulevard. The former burial ground remained neglected until a 1907 petition sparked a change. Residents envisioned a park. The state legislature allocated $5,000 in 1908 for the conversion. By 1912, when work commenced, all visible traces of the graves were reportedly gone. No disinterments were undertaken. Wayanda Park was born.
The park has seen numerous renovations. In 1912, it officially became a playground. Tennis courts arrived in 1926. 1950 brought sand pits, handball courts, a ball field, and new play equipment. Wayanda Park continues to evolve. In 2002, during renovations, a grim discovery surfaced: a skull and other human bones. This led to archaeological investigations. A plan was developed to protect any remaining burials beneath the park. Today, Wayanda Park thrives. It boasts basketball courts, game tables, handball courts, swings, and the jointly operated playground, serving both P.S. 34 and the community. A $6.4 million upgrade in funding was even announced in 2024. Wayanda Park’s story is a testament to the ever-changing landscape of our cities. It is a place where layers of history intertwine. It reminds us that even amidst the vibrancy of modern life, echoes of the past linger.