Briarwood Playground

What was here before?

The Briarwood neighborhood was developed by Herbert A. O’Brien in 1905, owner of the Briarwood Land Company. The enterprise was initially unsuccessful, and the land was not fully developed until the 1920s, when the lots formerly owned by the company were sold at auction.

How did this site become a playground?

The playground opened on August 27, 1957, adjacent to J.H.S. 217, Robert A. Van Wyck Junior High School. NYC Parks and the Department of Education have jointly operated the playground since November 1954. The park opened as J.H.S. 217 Playground and its name was changed to Van Wyck Playground by NYC Parks Commissioner Henry Stern in 1985, and subsequently renamed Briarwood Playground in 1997. Today the playground is enjoyed by residents of Briarwood and the surrounding communities.

What is this playground named after?

Briarwood Playground is named for the Queens neighborhood developed by Herbert A. O’Brien. He was the owner of the Briarwood Land Company which built housing in the area starting in 1905. The company got its name through the suggestion of O’Brien’s wife, Adeline, who noted the woods and briars that covered the area.