- City:
- New York, New York City, NY
- Site Type:
- Parks and Recreation, Education and Health, Gymnasiums, Playgrounds, Bathhouses, Swimming Pools
- New Deal Agencies:
- Work Relief Programs, Works Progress Administration (WPA)
- Started:
- 1941
- Completed:
- 1942
Description
The New York Times reported in Sept. 1941 that the WPA worked on the “reconstruction of John Jay Park along the East River Drive, between Seventy-sixth and Seventy-eighth Streets.”
Specific improvements included the installation of a new diving pool with concrete bleachers; the remodeling of an “old bath building” to “include a recreation room, gymnasium and auditorium”; and a new “completely equipped playground.”
A May 1942 Department of Parks press release further reported that the WPA had relocated the concession building, paved areas of the park, installed benches and planted trees.
Source notes
"Central Park Area to Be Improved For Benefit of Harlem Residents"; The New York Times, Sept. 22, 1941. Department of Parks, Press Release, May 16, 1940Site originally submitted by Evan Kalish on April 15, 2014.
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