James J Walker Park

James J. Walker Park is a 1.67-acre public park located in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Lower Manhattan, New York City. The park is bordered by Hudson Street, Clarkson Street, St. Luke's Place, and the Tony Dapolito Recreation Center.

Originally established as St. John's Cemetery in 1812, the site served as a burial ground for Trinity Church until 1895 when it was acquired by the New York City Department of Parks. Initially named St. John's Park, it was briefly known as Hudson Park before being renamed in 1947 to honor James J. Walker, a former mayor of New York City who grew up in the neighborhood.

The park has undergone several transformations since its inception. The original design by architects Carrère and Hastings featured a sunken garden, lagoon, perimeter walk, and gazebo. However, over time, the park evolved to meet community needs. By 1935, it included a comfort station, a larger playground, and a baseball field. In 1946, a sandlot baseball diamond was added and portions of the park were paved.

Today, James J. Walker Park serves as a vital recreational space for the local community. It features various sports facilities, including a baseball field, handball courts, and bocce courts. The park also includes playground equipment, a spray shower for children, and benches for relaxation. A notable historical remnant is a large marble sarcophagus near the St. Luke's Place entrance, dedicated in 1834 to fallen firemen, which serves as a reminder of the park's past as a cemetery.

The park underwent significant renovations in 1972 and again in 1996, which included the installation of new play equipment, safety surfacing, and additional amenities. These improvements have helped maintain James J. Walker Park as a popular destination for both active recreation and leisurely enjoyment in the heart of Greenwich Village.