Manhattan · New York County
Alfred E. Smith Playground
Playground / Recreation
- Location
- Catherine St between Monroe & Cherry Streets, Two Bridges
- Size
- 1.75 acres
- Hours
- 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Type
- Playground / Recreation
Alfred E. Smith Playground is a substantial recreation space in the Two Bridges neighborhood of Lower Manhattan, near the foot of the Manhattan Bridge. At nearly three acres, it is one of the larger playgrounds in the area, serving residents of the surrounding public housing developments.
The playground is named for Alfred Emanuel Smith, who served as the 42nd Governor of New York from 1919 to 1920 and again from 1923 to 1928. Smith, who grew up in poverty on the Lower East Side, became a champion of progressive social legislation and was the first Catholic to receive a major-party presidential nomination in 1928.
The adjacent Alfred E. Smith Houses, a New York City Housing Authority development completed in 1953, were also named in the governor's honor. The playground serves as the primary outdoor recreation space for residents of these towers.
Facilities include modern play equipment, basketball courts, handball courts, and open areas for various activities. The playground underwent renovations to update its equipment and safety surfacing.
Alfred E. Smith Playground represents the critical role that public recreation spaces play in New York City's public housing communities, providing outdoor play and exercise opportunities in one of Manhattan's most densely populated neighborhoods.