Public School 321 second-graders received a living history lesson when they joined area dignitaries and other local notables to rename J.J. Byrne Park Washington Park in honor of the nation’s founding father.
The pint-sized patriots were joined by “Battle of New York” author Barnet Shechter, historical re-enactors and elected officials to celebrate improvements to the emerald empire, located at 5th Avenue, between 3rd and 4th Streets, and home to the Old Stone House, which entered the annals of American revolutionary history on August 27, 1776 during the Battle of Brooklyn.
There, the Maryland 400, under the command of Lord Stirling held off British General Cornwallis’ troops, who had captured the Old Stone House, to allow General George Washington and his forces time to escape across Gowanus Creek.
The park improvements include a new multi-purpose synthetic turf ballfield, a renovated bluestone plaza area, and handball and basketball courts, in addition to dog runs, a running track and a skating area.
