- City:
- New York, New York City, NY
- Site Type:
- Parks and Recreation, Paths and Trails, Playgrounds
- New Deal Agencies:
- Work Relief Programs, Works Progress Administration (WPA)
- Quality of Information:
- Moderate
- Site Survival:
- Extant
Description
“Marcus Garvey Park is one of the oldest public squares in Manhattan. Central to the life of Harlem for more than 150 years, it has served as a meeting place for neighbors, a front yard and play area for schoolchildren, and a holy place for members of local churches.
Known as Mount Morris Park for more than a hundred years…
[In the 1930s] Parks Commissioner Robert Moses, with the help of the Federal Works Progress Administration, installed playgrounds and a system of stone walls, terraces and stairs that remains in place today.In the mid-1960s the park again underwent dramatic changes. The City constructed a pool, a new recreation center and an amphitheater where Harlem residents continue to enjoy outdoors summer performances.
The park was renamed by the City Council in honor of the black nationalist leader Marcus Garvey in 1973.” (www.east-harlem.com)
Source notes
https://www.east-harlem.com/parks_mg.htm Department of Parks, Press Release, October 26, 1937Contribute to this Site
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