By Lisa Kitchens
The Eco-History of Rev. Dr. Maggie Howard Playground at Stapleton Houses
Where you are right now is part of Lenapehoking, which is the Lenape name for the Lenape homeland (this includes all of NYC). The Rev Dr. Maggie Howard Playground sits on the original homeland of the Munsee Lenape Nation. They have lived on and stewarded this land for thousands of years. In the 17th century during the colonization of America, European settlers inhumanely forced them out of their homeland leaving them displaced across the country. While reparations are still needed, over the years some Lenape people have moved back to their homeland and live here in NYC.
Long before it was a playground, this area of Staten Island was known for its hillsides, farms and even fresh springs. The neighborhood of Stapleton was officially founded in 1836, and because of its waterfront access, by 1870 it was considered the commercial center of Staten Island. It wasn’t until years later, in 1947, that the City of New York bought this land and decided to turn it into a playground for the local school and the general public to use. Officially opening in 1951, this park has been offering New Yorkers recreation and respite for years.
In 2020, the park was renamed to honor of Reverend Dr. Maggie Howard, a born and raised New Yorker who lived in the Stapleton Houses and served her community through advocacy for education and social justice. The park also got a huge makeover with an increase in accessibility and quality, including new play equipment and a mini pool. The Rev Dr Maggie Howard Playground is a beloved part of the neighborhood, offering fresh air, recreation, and community connections.
The Eco-History of Snug Harbor
Where you are right now is part of Lenapehoking, which is the Lenape name for the Lenape homeland (this includes all of NYC). The Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Gardens sit on the original homeland of the Munsee Lenape Nation. They have lived on and stewarded this land for thousands of years. In the 17th century during the colonization of America, European settlers inhumanely forced them out of their homeland leaving them displaced across the country. While reparations are still needed, over the years some Lenape people have moved back to their homeland and live here in NYC.
In 1801 when the heir to a large shipping fortune, Robert Richard Randall, passed away, he left his money to be used to create a rest home for worn-out, retired sailors. That’s how Snug Harbor was founded! Snug Harbor grew to house over 900 residents with their own farm, a bakery, a power plant, a hospital, and a cemetery. It wasn’t until the mid-1900s when government programs like Medicare and Social Security were founded, that the sailors of Snug Harbor started to leave and the buildings began to fall apart.
But local communities knew how much Snug Harbor meant to the city, and with their help, Snug Harbor Cultural Center was founded in 1975 as a cultural landmark and center. In 2008, Staten Island Botanical Gardens and Snug Harbor merged to form what it is today. Now, Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Gardens is home to historical architectural buildings, fourteen lush gardens, art and music programs, and educational offerings. It is truly a loved part of the New York City community.
Sources
Rev. Dr. Maggie Howard Playground : NYC Parks. (2020). Nycgovparks.Org. https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/rev-dr-maggie-howard-playground
Rev. Dr. Maggie Howard Playground Highlights : NYC Parks. (2020). Nycgovparks.Org. https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/rev-dr-maggie-howard-playground/history
“History.” Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, 7 Dec. 2018, snug-harbor.org/about-us/history.
“Snug Harbor Cultural Center: NYC Parks.” Official Website of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, www.nycgovparks.org/parks/sailors-snug-harbor.