Penn South Playground

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

What was here before?
In the 1950s, this lot was procured by the City of New York for a new housing project. At that time, state law allowed the City to acquire property that was deemed substandard and convey it to approved redevelopment companies. These companies had the power to demolish existing buildings and build new moderate-income housing. A multiblock parcel between Eighth and Ninth Avenues from West 23rd to West 29th Streets was acquired for the construction of a large cooperative residential development, Penn South Mutual Redevelopment Houses, sponsored by the International Ladies Garment Workers Union (ILGWU). Previously, it was occupied by a mix of tenements, brownstones, loft buildings, small industrial buildings, automobile repair shops, parking lots, and two theaters.

How did this site become a playground?
This site was deeded to the City by Mutual Redevelopment Housing, Inc., the sponsor of the surrounding housing development, and assigned to Parks for use as a playground. It opened as Penn Station South Houses Playground in 1961, and its name was shortened to Penn South Playground in 1989.

In 1996 the playground was rebuilt. The present park features elementary school-age play equipment, two full basketball courts, painted street games, and benches in both the play area and basketball courts. The playground was reconstructed in 2025.

What is this playground named for?
This playground takes its name from the Penn South Mutual Redevelopment Houses, whose name references its location a few blocks below Pennsylvania Station. The 2,820-unit, 15-building complex opened in 1962, and its dedication was attended by President John F. Kennedy (1917-1963).