Van Dyke Playground

Dumont Ave. between Powell St. and Mother Gaston Blvd.

Brooklyn

Directions via Google Maps

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

What was here before?
This property was formerly owned by Christopher Lott (1758-1803), of the prosperous, early farming family. Lott grew up in Flatlands where his grandfather built the original family homestead in 1720, which remains in part at the Hendrick I. Lott House. Christopher’s father, Johannes (1721-1782), moved the family to New Lots shortly before he died in 1788 and willed his property to his sons, including Christopher.

Most of the Lott family properties were divided as Brooklyn developed, and by the turn of the 20th century, this parcel was lined with two-story row homes with several street-level businesses.

How did this site become a playground?
The city acquired this property in 1951 through condemnation for the Van Dyke Houses, and the playground opened in 1955. Initially managed by the New York City Housing Authority, it was assigned to NYC Parks in 1957.

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