HISTORY

The land for St. Catherine's Park was purchased by New York City in February 1907 for use as a public playground. In 1914, the park came under the jurisdiction of the NYC Parks Department and in 1918 was named by the Board of Aldermen in honor of Saint Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) and the eponymously-named church on East 68th Street between First and York Avenues. St. Catherine, the 25th child of a wool dyer in Northern Italy, is the patron saint of those who heal the sick. She is also remembered for her devotion to the poor, her zealous labor, and her visions of Christ, Mary and the saints. She was one of the most brilliant theological minds of her day, and persuaded the pope to return the papacy to Rome from Avignon, France, in 1377. Her letters and a treatise are considered among the most brilliant writings in the history of the Catholic Church.

In 1998, capital funds were appropriated by Council Member Gifford Miller for the reconstruction of St. Catherine's park, which were combined with funds previously allocated in 1996 by then Council Member Charles Millard.  The Parks Department Landscape Architect Chris Crowley created a vibrant design, largely modeled after the Florentine arrangement of Santa Maria sopre Minerva in Rome, where the body of St. Catherine rests. A middle area containing two elephant spray showers represents the church's center aisle. The elephant motif is taken from the Bernini fountain just outside the church. Play areas on either side represent the pews and the paving pattern throughout the park resembles the church flooring. As part of the million dollar overhaul, the park also received new playground equipment with safety surfacing, a sandbox, benches and tables, and a sculptural sundial and weathervane. Because St. Catherine was often depicted holding a lily, a symbol of new life, lilies were planted throughout, symbolizing the rejuvenation of the park. The beautifully renovated playground re-opened in July, 1997, following the extensive one-year construction project.