Hilltop Playground

Hilltop Playground. 1.095 acres. , Hilltop Playground, located at Hopkins and Saratoga Avenues and Pacific Street in Brooklyn, opened as a schoolyard operated by what was then known as the Board of Education. In 1990, it became a jointly operated playground, and a backstop was added for softball and baseball. Responsibility for the playground is now shared between the Department of Education and NYC Parks., Formerly known as Saratoga Ballfields, the word Saratoga is thought to have its origins in Iroquois or Mohawk language, possibly meaning "springs from hillside." Other supposed meanings include "place of miraculous water in rock" and "beaver place." The name Saratoga is often used parks and towns in New York State and other parts of the country. This ballfield was named for the nearby avenue as well as the Upstate New York town in where, in 1777, America won one of its most decisive victories of the Revolutionary War (1776-1783). A combination of leadership, initiative, and well-timed reinforcement made the Battle of Saratoga a high point in American history., This site is part of the Parks' Community Parks Initiative, a multi-faceted program to invest in under-resourced public parks and increase the accessibility and quality of parks throughout the five boroughs. The reconstruction of the renamed Hilltop Playground includes brand new play equipment for children of all ages, an interactive spray shower, and full and half-court basketball courts. New fencing, landscaping, and a synthetic turf multi-purpose play field accommodates various sports and free play. The park also offers a community gathering space, green infrastructure, a walking track and outdoor fitness equipment. The new name was suggested by the local community group, "What About the Children, Inc." because of the park's location atop a hill.