Throwback: A Look Back at Anne Loftus Playground

As summer sizzles on, we’re taking a moment to look back at one of Fort Tryon Park’s most cherished spaces — the Anne Loftus Playground.

Throwing it back to Summer 1935!

Did you know that long before its current layout, this playground was home to a massive wading pool? Children from across the neighborhood would flock here to splash through ankle-deep water — a perfect way to beat the summer heat during the Great Depression.

While the wading pool is no longer there, the spirit of summer fun is still alive and well. Today, the Anne Loftus Playground features modern sprinklers and play equipment that continue the tradition of keeping little ones cool, active, and smiling all summer long.

More than just a playground, it remains a vibrant community hub — a place where neighbors gather, families grow, and memories are made.

Come Make Some Memories of Your Own!