Mathews-Palmer Playground

The heart and soul of the W40s quadrant in Hell’s Kitchen is Mathews-Palmer Playground known by locals as simply “46th.” I learned to shoot a basketball there, ride a bike, and defend myself when push became shove – I give a sincere portion of credit to 46th for shaping me as a boy, and eventually to a man.

There is so much past and present history in this special little park! I love walking by the names of the neighborhood kids listed above the wall ball, and sometimes catching a glimpse of the Hell’s Kitchen Rangers playing street hockey when the weather is warmer. Patiently waiting for the Belkin mural restoration completion!

Showing my bias, as the Hell’s Kitchen Rangers play there. The “Train Playground” is my son Liam’s absolute favorite. He’s obsessed with trains, so the big play structure shaped like a train that used to be there, and the refurbished ones that are there now, have always drawn him to the place. It’s a valuable part of our social lives.