Van Cortlandt Park

Born January 9, 1951, to Frank and Sylvia Shandler, Allen Shandler was a local boy known for his vigor and integrity. In 1962, at just eleven years old, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Determined to live his life like any other boy his age, Allen dedicated his time to improving his community and helping those around him, displaying a maturity that earned him much respect in the community in which he lived.

Allen and his father organized a drive to raise $300,000 for the Holly Park Recreation Area in Van Cortlandt Park. After Shandler’s death on August 11, 1966, Woodlawn resident and Council Member Mario Merola (1922-1987) secured the funds for the recreation area. Council Member-At-Large Aileen B. Ryan (1912-1987) and Council Member Merola introduced a bill to rename the recreation area for Allen Shandler in 1967.

The Allen Shandler Recreation Area has two baseball diamonds, public restrooms, benches, and a barbecue area with grills and picnic tables.