Jaime Campiz Playground

Hope St., Marcy Ave., Metropolitan Ave.

Brooklyn

Directions via Google Maps

This text is part of Parks’ Historical Signs Project and can be found posted within the park.

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.

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