Between shopping centers and schools lie Poor Richard’s Playground, a public park in East Harlem most beloved by children and accompanying caregivers for its many playground facilities and easy access.
Marcus Garvey Park is among the largest public parks in East Harlem with amenities including three playgrounds, an outdoor pool, a recreation center, an amphitheater, a fire watchtower on top of a rock platform named the Acropolis. However a chain is only as good as its weakest link, in this case a park is only as good as[…]
The Marx Brothers Playground sign, posted on its fenced entrance. Photo taken by Briana Belfer.
By: Briana Belfer
Public parks and fields are spaces aching to be filled. The Marx Brothers Playground is an expansive field located on East 96th Street and 2nd Ave, situated near bustling neighborhood activity. The park is flanked by schools, a hospital, retail locations, and a brand new Q subway station on the recently finished 2nd Ave Subway line. One would expect that it would be thriving and filled with life, sports and laughter. In my two site visits, this wasn’t exactly the case, but perhaps, there is hope for growth. […]
the park entrance [photo by Lucien Formichella]
In a public park that’s already been changed for the better, maybe it’s time we leave well enough alone.
Front View of the public garden. Credit: Nicole Rojas
Monterey Public Garden, located on East 96th Street and between Lexington Avenue and 3rd Avenue, is a very neat, aesthetically pleasing garden placed in between two apartment buildings and in front of an elementary school and playground. The main purpose of a public garden is to encourage all types of people to come in and enjoy the scenery–does Monterey Public Garden succeed in promoting this atmosphere? Barely.
Restroom facilities at Thomas Jefferson Park with directions in English and Spanish on 3/29/2017 at 4PM. (Credit: Demi Moore)
The Monterey Public Garden
PC: Julia Aneiro
The Monterey Public Garden is a privately-owned public space (POPS) located on the north side of East 96th street alongside its namesake, the Monterey Luxury Apartment complex. POPS found their start after the 1961 Zoning Resolution, which provided certain incentives to real estate developers who provided public space within their developments. POPS are a telltale sign of high-density real estate development, but who is – or isn’t – using these spaces?
On March 8 and March 11, I observed the George Washington NYCHA Houses on 97th-99th streets. March 8 was a warm school day, whereas March 11 was a freezing Saturday. With my observations, I conclude that the site is safe, community-friendly, and spacious; however, in order to utilize the houses’ open spaces in a better way,[…]
Situated between several public housing projects, Cherry Tree Park and Playground is a practical and enjoyable space for the residents of East Harlem. Cherry Tree Playground is located at East 99th Street and 3rd Avenue in East Harlem. It has three basketball courts and a handball court. A giant mural looms over the courts. The[…]
Samuel Seabury Playground, entrance located on Lexington between 95th and 96th, is a popular public space for residents and their children. Next to PS 77, the 6 train, residential buildings, and some retail it is a highly trafficked place for the neighborhood’s children, the elderly, and adults looking for a place to sit and enjoy the bustle.[…]
