Morris Heights in the Bronx in Bronx County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Cedar Playground
What was here before?
This site was once part of the estate of Hugh N. Camp (1827-1895), a leading figure in the sugar refining industry until 1870.
How did this site become a playground?
The City acquired the property in 1884 through the Aqueduct Commission. This body, which was responsible for supervising work on that new Croton Aqueduct, was dissolved in 1910. In 1934, that department surrendered the property to NYC Parks, and the playground opened the following year. A small segment at Cedar Avenue and the curve of West 179th Street was added to the park in 1955 as a sitting area.
Many claim that Cedar Playground is the birthplace of hip-hop. On Aug. 11, 1973, Cindy Campbell's Back to School Jam party was held at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue. The party was hosted by DJ Kool Herc, Cindy's brother, who is a Jamaican-born graffiti artist, dancer, and DJ. The invitations—on index cards—listed the building's "rec room" for an all-night jam. But the party became so crowded that they had to move it next door to Cedar Playground, known locally as Cedar Park. Herc and Cindy continued to host the party regularly and in 1974,
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In 2016, the playground was renovated to include an updated play area, basketball courts, a spray shower, and adult exercise equipment.
What is this playground named for?
This playground takes its name from Cedar Avenue, which is adjacent to the site. Cedar trees are celebrated for their valuable wood, which is generally red, scented, and highly resistant to decay.
Erected by NYC Parks.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the NYC Parks series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 11, 1973.
Location. 40° 51.32′ N, 73° 55.059′ W. Marker is in Bronx, New York, in Bronx County. It is in Morris Heights. It is on Cedar Avenue south of West 179th Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1890 Cedar Ave, Bronx NY 10453, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Juan Bosch Plaza (approx. 0.4 miles away); Colonel William Baxter (approx. half a mile away); Monsignor Kett Playground (approx. half a mile away); Featherbed Triangle (approx. 0.6 miles away); Trace (approx. ¾ mile away); McNally Plaza World War I Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); Devoe Park (approx. 0.8 miles away); Bridge Park (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bronx.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 22, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 22, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
