Jaime Campiz Playground

This text is part of Parks’ Historical Signs Project and can be found posted within the park.

This playground is named for an athlete and veteran, Jaime Campiz.

Jaime Campiz was born on October 16, 1928, in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, to Mariana Vega de Campiz and Ramon Campiz. During adolescence, Campiz displayed an interest in and considerable talent for athletics. He was especially adept at baseball, distinguishing himself as a shortshop in the Puerto Rican Baseball Organization. After Campiz had graduated with honors from the Jose de Diego High School in Mayaguez, his parents sent him to the United States mainland to continue his studies. In New York City, Campiz’s talents brought him acclaim in the Crotona Park League of the Bronx.

The Korean War (1950-1953) interrupted Campiz’s baseball career. He entered the U.S. Army and served honorably in Korea, receiving the Purple Heart for wounds suffered in combat. Upon his discharge, Campiz returned to sports. He took up boxing and was a finalist in the New York Golden Gloves in the 126 lbs. division. In time, Campiz also renewed his interest in baseball, returning to the sport as a coach. He served as the president of many baseball leagues including the Canella’s, Pedrin Zorilla’s, the Pan American and Collazo’s based in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn.

As his interests expanded from the simple participation in sports to coaching and directing league affairs, Mr. Campiz became a civic leader. With Jose Erazo and Celia Vice, he organized “La Calsana Social Athletic Club.” The organization inspired feelings of unity and civic pride within Williamsburg’s Puerto Rican community. Jaime Campiz died on October 14, 1982. In recognition of his contributions to community sports and recreation, a local law was passed in 1983 to name this park in his honor.

Located adjacent to the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, on Marcy Avenue between Hope Street and Metropolitan Avenue, Jaime Campiz Playground was acquired by condemnation for park and highway purposes in 1946. The park was developed as a playground in 1949. With mayoral funds, the playground was renovated in 2006 with new play equipment, spray shower, fitness equipment and gardens.