Historic Harlem Parks

Highlights

123rd Street Playground

What was here before? The site lies within the area settled following the Commissioners’ Plan of 1811. Created by New York City Mayor De Witt Clinton… Read More

Arlington "Ollie" Edinboro Playground

This playground honors the memory of Arlington “Ollie” Edinboro (1916-1990), a Harlem native who dedicated his career to improving the lives of… Read More

Carl Schurz Monument

Carl Schurz (1829-1906) was born in Liblar, Prussia (near what is now Cologne, Germany). In 1848, while a doctoral candidate at the University of Bonn, he joined the… Read More

Dr. Thomas Kiel Arboretum

This arboretum (a Latin word meaning “a place grown with trees”) was named in memory of one of Morningside Park’s most dedicated volunteers, Dr. Thomas… Read More

Hamilton Grange

What was here before? Before the arrival of Europeans and enslaved people, the Lenape lived on the land that was named Manahatta. About 15,000 individuals from the… Read More

Jackie Robinson Bust

Who is this monument dedicated to? Jackie Robinson (1919-1972) is legendary for his pioneering role as one of the first Black professional baseball player in the… Read More

Jackie Robinson Pool

For outdoor pool details, including hours and rules, please visit our Free Outdoor Pools page . What was here before? Before the pool and play center were… Read More

James Baldwin Lawn

What was here before? Settled by Dutch farmers in the late 1600s, the area was first named Nieuw Haarlem. The rugged sloping terrain saw skirmishes during the… Read More

Manhattan Schist in New York City Parks

Schist—which can be seen in Morningside Park, Marcus Garvey Memorial Park, and J Hood Wright Park—is an extremely strong and durable rock type. Deep below… Read More

Manhattan Schist in New York City Parks

Schist—which can be seen in Morningside Park, Marcus Garvey Memorial Park, and J Hood Wright Park—is an extremely strong and durable rock type. Deep below… Read More