Jaime Campiz Playground

What was here before?
This was once the estate of David Van Cott (1836–1862), a Brooklyn-born pattern maker and Union Army soldier during the American Civil War. He enlisted in the 9th New York Infantry, Company A, on April 23, 1861, and was promoted to corporal on August 19  thatyear. Van Cott served in several significant battles, including the First Battle of Bull Run and the Battle of Antietam. He was mortally wounded at Antietam and died shortly thereafter. Though not buried at Green-Wood Cemetery, a cenotaph in his family's plot honors his memory.

How did this site become a park?
The land was acquired by condemnation for park and highway purposes in 1946 and was developed as a playground in 1949. The playground was renovated in 2006 with new play equipment, spray shower, fitness equipment, and gardens. In 2018, the basketball courts and adult fitness area were rebuilt.

What is this park named for?
Jaime Campiz (1928-1982) was an athlete, veteran, and community leader in Williamsburg.

Campiz was born in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, to Mariana Vega de Campiz and Ramon Campiz.  During adolescence, Campiz displayed an interest in, and considerable, talent for athletics.  He was especially adept at baseball, distinguishing himself as a shortstop in the Puerto Rican Baseball Organization.  After Campiz graduated with honors from the Jose de Diego High School in Mayagüez, his parents sent him to the mainland, United States, to continue his studies.  In New York City, Campiz’s talents brought him acclaim in the Crotona Park League of the Bronx.

The Korean War (1950-1953) interrupted Campiz’s baseball career.  He entered the U.S. Army and served honorably in Korea, receiving the Purple Heart for wounds suffered in combat.  Upon his discharge, Campiz returned to sports.  He took up boxing and was a finalist in the New York Golden Gloves in the 126 pounds division.  In time, Campiz also renewed his interest in baseball, returning to the sport as a coach.  He served as the president of many baseball leagues including the Canella, Pedrin Zorilla, the Pan American and Collazo based in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn.

As his interests expanded from simple participation in sports to coaching and directing league affairs, Mr. Campiz became a civic leader.  With Jose Erazo and Celia Vice, he organized “La Calsana Social Athletic Club.”  The organization inspired feelings of unity and civic pride within Williamsburg’s Puerto Rican community.