1890s Development of the Modern Playground

In New York City, unprecedented urbanization and immigration create some of the most crowded and unhealthy slums in the world. Settlement house workers and other Progressive Era reformers begin working to improve the lives of children in these neighborhoods through a variety of social programs. They create the first purpose-built facilities for children’s play and advocate for their inclusion in new parks that are being planned throughout the city.

“Every public park should be first of all a playground for the children, and to this necessity all other considerations are made to yield.”

Small Parks Advisory Committee, 1897