Gorman Playground

What was here before?
From colonial times until the early 1900s, the area now known as Jackson Heights was a large marsh called Trains Meadow. As NYC grew more densely populated, a housing shortage emerged. In 1909, Edward A. MacDougall's Queensboro Corporation purchased 325 acres of undeveloped land and named it Jackson Heights, after John C. Jackson, a notable Queens entrepreneur. The area, initially low-lying, was raised to avoid flooding and became the highest point in the area. "Heights" was added to signal the neighborhood's exclusivity, drawing inspiration from Brooklyn Heights. Initially accessible by ferry, the neighborhood became more reachable with the opening of the Queensboro Bridge in 1909, followed by the 7 train in 1917 and double-decker buses in 1922.

How did this site become a park?
In 1931 the City purchased this land from the Sonjack Land Corporation The playground opened to the public in 1934, equipped with a wading pool, athletic fields, children’s play equipment, and a field house containing a playroom.

The playground had street-hockey, volleyball, basketball and soccer courts, slides, tunnels, swings, sprinklers, and the Adult Fitness station, which is equipped with a variety of exercise bars.  During a 1984 renovation, a playschool and new play equipment were added to the already existing playground.  

In 2023 the children’s area was rebuilt to better accommodate both active play and passive recreation with multigenerational play equipment, swings, a spray shower, game tables, and benches. In addition, new asphalt pathways and plantings were added to enhance the playground’s landscape.

Originally named Jackson Heights Model Playground, the site was renamed in 1963 to honor Denis P. Gorman. A bronze memorial plaque was installed on the field house wall in 1964 to recognize his contributions to the community.

What is this park named for?
Denis P. Gorman (1903-1963) was a civic leader devoted to providing recreational facilities for the youth of Queens.  

In addition to being responsible for constructing this playground, Gorman also helped bring franchised bus service to Jackson Heights in 1932.  He served as the Chairman of the Youth Activities Committee and built an impressive twenty Little League baseball fields in five months.  He was head of the Elmjack Little League for ten years, a founding member of local youth councils, and was affiliated with many other community organizations.  Gorman also embarked on a political career where he served as the Democratic District Leader of Jackson Heights.  After a lifetime spent serving his city, Gorman died in 1963.