Chelsea in Manhattan in New York County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Dr. Gertrude B. Kelly Playground
What was here before?
In 1790 George Rapelje, a relative of early Dutch settler Joris Rapelje (1604-1663), purchased this parcel and the surrounding area from James Rivington. In 1825, Rapelje's grandson started to parcel off the land for development.
The City acquired the northern portion of this property in 1853 as a gift to the Public School Society of New York. A second parcel was added through condemnation in 1896. The property was the site of old P.S. 11 until 1933 when the school was demolished, and a new building was erected on West 21st Street.
How did this site become a park?
Jurisdiction of the property then passed to the Parks Department and opened in 1934 as one of the five "model playgrounds," one in each of the five boroughs. According to a press release issued by Parks, "Model playgrounds were built in five congested neighborhoods, and demonstrated the use of small areas for recreational purposes. These playgrounds were designed and equipped to meet the present-day needs of the children, and to enable directors to conduct a wide range of activities with a minimal amount of supervision."
On Aug.
this page online
A final piece of land was condemned in 1938 to enlarge the playground south to West 16th Street. Plans were drawn up in 1966 to remove the wading pool and add new play equipment, such as a helical slide and arch climbers. New curvilinear walls softened the harsh angles of the playground. In 1975 the public bathroom was rebuilt and in 1984 a renovation project focused on the eastern half of the park to provide new handball and basketball courts, showers, play equipment, a community planting bed, and a rectilinear sitting area to the southeast.
Between 1998 and 1999, the playground was reconstructed, expanding the sitting area on the west
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), August 30, 2025
2. Dr. Gertrude B. Kelly Playground Marker
Who is this park named for?
Dr. Gertrude B. Kelly (1862-1934), a pioneer surgeon and philanthropist, was born in Ireland and emigrated to the United States in 1873. She studied at the Women's Medical College of the New York Infirmary for Women and Children, which was founded by Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first female physician in the United States. Dr. Kelly's direction of a clinic for the poor and her outspoken support for Irish independence made her a prominent figure in the Chelsea community. Kelly was also active in the women's suffrage movement and was a member of the Irish Women's Council.
Erected by NYC Parks. (Marker Number 301.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Science & Medicine • Settlements & Settlers • Women. In addition, it is included in the NYC Parks series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 11, 1934.
Location. 40° 44.513′ N, 74° 0.113′ W. Marker is in Manhattan, New York, in New York County. It is in Chelsea. It is on West 17th Street west of 8th Avenue, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 324 W 17th St, New York NY 10011, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in New York City. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named Dr. Gertrude B. Kelly Playground (within shouting distance of this marker); 81 Eighth Avenue (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); John Richard Ress, Jr. (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Muffin House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Andrew Norwood House (approx. 0.2 miles away); David Dubinsky (approx. 0.2 miles away); Greenwich Village Historic District (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cushman Row (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Manhattan.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Corporal John A. Seravalli Playground (was approx. Ό mile away but has been permanently removed).
Credits. This page was last revised on September 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 70 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 1, 2025, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
