Hattie Carthan Playground

HATTIE CARTHAN PLAYGROUND

What was here before?

This was the site of the Debevoise farm, once known for itspear orchards and bulgar. The family patriarch was French protestant Carel De Beauvois (Beauwors) of Leiden, Netherlands, who emigrated to New Amsterdam with his wife Sophia in 1659 on board the ship, The Otter.  Members of the Debevoise family held various positions of power in Brooklyn, including church warden, schoolmaster, and town manager. 

How did this site become a playground?

The playground is jointly operated by the Department of Education and NYC Parks.  Built in 1964 alongside then named PS 305 Dr. Peter Ray School, now Arts & Letters 305, the site was known simply as PS 305 Playground until 1995, when it was renamed for community leader, Hattie Carthan.

The playground was renovated in 2000 in a project that included improved paving, play equipment with safety surfacing, a spray shower, game tables, and basketball and handball courts. 

Who is this playground named for?

Hattie Carthan (1900–1984) was a Bedford-Stuyvesant resident known for her love of trees and conservation efforts, which stemmed from watching the natural environment in her neighborhood deteriorate. 

When Carthan moved into her home on Vernon Avenue, the street was lined with trees; by 1964 only three remained.  She began replanting in the neighborhood, and in the process helped create the Bedford-Stuyvesant Neighborhood Tree Corps as well as the Green Guerillas, who strove to beautify the city by throwing seeds into abandoned lots.

A proponent of strong neighborhood associations, Carthan became the chairwoman of the Bedford-Stuyvesant Beautification Committee, which brought together 100 block associations in a project that added over 1,500 trees to the neighborhood.  Carthan also helped found the Magnolia Tree Earth Center, on nearby Lafayette and Marcy Avenues. The Center is dedicated to preserving history and fostering a sustainable future through environmental education programs, community building, and cultural events. A mural depicting Mrs. Carthan appears on the front of the center.