1 / 3Lawrence Virgilio Playground
📍 Queens, NY
A 1930s WPA-built Queens playground named after a 9/11 firefighter, featuring a large jungle gym, basketball and handball courts, baby swings, and a summer pool with scenic hilltop views.
This park is my childhood. I fell in love with soccer at age 4, playing on the concrete box next to the baby swings, using trash cans as goals. I played basketball in the lowers, handball against the walls, and did acrobatics on the monkey bars. I explored the steep sloping forest that surrounds one half of the park, and swam in the center pool that was never clean. As the years have passed, I've spent late nights playing cards with friends, having conversations on Jadens bench, running around the track, and swinging on the swings with strangers. Even smaller public spaces like these shape childhoods and provide sanctuary to all. Thank you Lawrence Virgilio Playground
🏆 Family Action Verdict
This playground works best for active elementary-age kids and older who want variety — playground, basketball, handball, and swimming all in one location. The hilltop setting and forest surroundings give it genuine character beyond a standard neighbourhood park.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →741 Google reviews
Gabriel Daboss
8 months ago
“This park is my childhood. I fell in love with soccer at age 4, playing on the concrete box next to the baby swings, using trash cans as goals. I played basketball in the lowers, handball against the walls, and did acrobatics on the monkey bars. I explored the steep sloping forest that surrounds one half of the park, and swam in the center pool that was never clean. As the years have passed, I've spent late nights playing cards with friends, having conversations on Jadens bench, running around the track, and swinging on the swings with strangers. Even smaller public spaces like these shape childhoods and provide sanctuary to all. Thank you Lawrence Virgilio Playground”
Stuck Omits
5 months ago
“This park is such a hidden gem and a favorite spot for families in the area. It has everything you’d want for a fun day outdoors -a big jungle gym for the kids, basketball and handball courts for teens and adults, and even a swimming pool that opens during the summer months. What makes it extra special is its location on a hill, giving visitors a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding neighborhood. There are also shady picnic spots and plenty of benches to relax on while enjoying the breeze. Perfect for play, exercise, or just soaking in nature’s beauty!”
David Smith
a month ago
“Woodside classic. WPA built it in the 30s, renamed after a local firefighter who died on 9/11. Big playground, basketball, handball, pool in summer. Rubber mats are worn in spots, can get slippery. Some sketchy behavior at night according to reviews. Good for a few hours with the kids.”
Malcolm Espinosa
2 years ago
“This used to be my childhood playground. It is much different now. The rubber floor mats are very worn and can be slippery. My kids couldn't run as fast as he wanted to on it. This park has a public pool that was not yet operational when I went in mid June.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Lawrence Virgilio Playground was built by the WPA in the 1930s and later renamed to honour local firefighter Lawrence Virgilio, who died on 9/11. The facility includes a large jungle gym with baby swings, basketball courts, handball walls, and a summer pool that opens seasonally. A forested slope surrounds the elevated site, offering elevated views. Rubber mat surfaces show wear in spots and can be slippery, particularly when wet.
