Here, you’ve got handball courts, softball fields, a soccer and football field, and even a running track. If you're feeling sporty, Red Hook Park has got you covered. And let’s not forget the Sol Goldman Play Center, tucked within Bay, Henry, Lorraine, and Clinton Streets. It’s home to a brick bathhouse and two pools - perfect for cooling off on those hot summer days.
Now, a little sprinkle of history: The land was first grabbed way back in 1913 and officially became a park in 1934. They built the pool between 1935 and 1936, thanks to the Works Progress Administration. It's kind of like the New Deal’s way of saying, “Hey, you deserve this!”
The park had a big facelift starting in the 1980s, with the pool reopening in 1986 and getting its current name from Sol Goldman in 1991 - quite the thank-you gesture for his generous donation.
In 2007, the Sol Goldman Play Center was deemed a city landmark by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission. Fancy that!
Oh, and a fun fact for you: They’ve been renovating the fields since 2019 due to some pesky lead contamination. Don’t worry, though, it’s all shipshape now.
Red Hook Park isn't just one big blanket of green; it's strategically scattered across several city blocks. Picture a jigsaw puzzle of fun! Soccer fields, baseball fields, a running track - they’ve got everything but the kitchen sink.
Directly across Clinton Street, there’s another chunk of the park with walking paths and more soccer fields. Heading northwest, you’ll find soccer field 6 and a running track that encircled a roller rink when it first opened in 1940. Quite the multi-talented space!
Fancy a few hoops? The Bush-Clinton Playground is north of the pool with several basketball courts. The playground also honors the Bush family and DeWitt Clinton, a former New York governor. History meets hoops - who would've thought?
So there you have it, the fabulous Red Hook Park! A place where history, recreation, and community come together. And if you’re up for a joke: Why did the golfer bring two pairs of pants? In case he got a hole in one! Enjoy your time here!
