Dr. Charles R. Drew Park

What was here before? 
This area was inhabited by a Native American tribe called the Jameco or Yamecah (a word meaning “beaver” in Algonquin) when the first Europeans arrived from neighboring Hempstead in 1655 in search of more farmland. This land remained rural through the early 20th century.

In 1946 the City began purchasing land to make way for the Van Wyck Expressway. It acquired hundreds of homes and relocated over 250 homes elsewhere in the neighborhood. However, this property was largely vacant at the time of purchase.

How did this site become a park? 
Purchased along with four other parks, this site opened six years later in 1952. It was named for Dr. Charles R. Drew by the City Council the same year. Paid for by the State as part of the City’s arterial development, the playground had handball, basketball, and volleyball courts, roller skating rink, and baseball diamonds.

Read More

Facilities

• 
  Baseball Fields
• 
  Eateries
• 
  Handball Courts
• 
  Public Restrooms

Park Information

• Main
• History
• Inspections
• Projects

More About Dr. Charles R. Drew Park

Zip Code:11436
Community Board: 12
Council Member: Adrienne E. Adams
Park ID: Q220C
Acreage: 6.34
Property Type: Recreational Field/Courts

Lost and Found Information

Other Parks Nearby

• Frederick B. Judge Playground (0.38 miles)
• Playground One Forty (0.36 miles)
• Norelli-Hargreaves Playground (0.77 miles)
• Baisley Pond Park (0.79 miles)
• Police Officer Edward Byrne Park (0.92 miles)