Watson Gleason Playground

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

What was here before?

The Wiechquaesgeck inhabited the area near the Bronx River, which they named "Aquehung," meaning "River of High Bluffs." In 1666, the land was granted to Edward Jessup and John Richardson through letters of patent, after they "purchased" it from the local tribe. Following Jessup's death within the same year, his share of the land was transferred to Thomas Hunt, who became the namesake of Hunts Point.

This land was later part of the estate of William Watson (1812-1877), known as "Wilmount." Watson owned a tract of land in the Bronx, with his estate stretching from the Bronx River at West Farms Square, across Westchester Avenue to Bruckner Boulevard. Watson's holdings played a significant role in shaping the development of the area. After Watson’s death, his estate was divided into lots and streets.

How did this site become a playground?

In 1938 the City of New York acquired the entire block bounded by Watson, Noble, Gleason, and Rosedale Avenues. Designed by NYC Parks and built with labor provided by the Work Projects Administration (WPA), the playground opened 18 months later. The large site contained a children’s playground, public bathroom, roller-skating area, softball diamonds, and courts for volleyball, basketball, handball, and shuffleboard.

Watson Gleason Playground was reconstructed in two phases, the first in 1999, which included new swings, play equipment, game tables, and benches, and the second in 2002, which added a seating area and horticulture. A new synthetic multipurpose turf field was installed under the PlaNYC Asphalt to Turf Initiative in 2009. Green infrastructure was completed in 2024 to capture storm rainwater.

Who is this playground named for?

Watson Gleason Playground is named for local landowners William Watson and Joseph J. Gleason.

Watson, born in Lurgan, Ireland, had substantial landholdings in the Bronx, including his estate known as “Wilmount.” Manor Avenue (six blocks west of the park) was named for his house, and Watson Avenue, south of the park, was named for the owner.

Realtor Joseph J. Gleason (d.1909) owned property east of Westchester Avenue approximately from Olmstead to Beach Avenues. He is credited with inventing the one-two-three system of betting, where one chooses who comes in first, second, and third in horse racing. The street to the north of the playground is named for him.