Bleecker Playground

Bleecker Playground

Bleecker Playground has been a haven for West Village families since its opening in 1966. The playground contains many features that will make any rambunctious rascal smile with glee, including a climbing structure, a sand pit, and swings. The first playground of its kind in the neighborhood, the land where Bleecker Playground now stands was acquired by the New York Parks Department in 1963, as an extension of Abingdon Square Park. As part of a substantial urban redevelopment initiative in the area, many warehouses as well as a circular comfort station were condemned and demolished by the city to make way for the new playground oasis. In the 1990’s large amounts of money were infused into the playground to upgrade the facilities and make the general area more pleasant for young children, and their parents. Artists painted animal art in the playground and the artist Chaim Gross designed and dedicated a sculpture called The Family, which he dedicated to former New York City Mayor Ed Koch.