Exploring Boro ‘Parks’: Lt. Joseph Petrosino Park

In our summer series Exploring Boro ‘Parks’, BoroPark24 is visiting parks close to the neighborhood that offer a space to breathe, move, and share moments with family. Each week, we’ll share a short look at a nearby park’s past and what makes it worth a visit today.

The Lott family, who came to New Amsterdam in 1652, owned this land and farmed in Brooklyn until the late 1800s. Even though the area around it grew, this plot stayed empty, with only dirt paths naturally forming toward the elevated subway station, which opened in 1916. 

The City of New York purchased the land from the Lott family in 1929, and a playground opened in 1935. The original design featured a central open play area surrounded by handball courts, slides, swings, a wading pool, and a jungle gym.

Originally called Satellite Park, which was renovated in 1993 and again in 2019 through the Community Parks Initiative, it had equipment for various ages, new paths, picnic tables, rain gardens, and permeable paving to help manage stormwater.

In 1999, the park was renamed in honor of Lt. Joseph Petrosino, New York City’s first Italian American detective. He led the city’s Italian Squad in the early 1900s, fighting crime, but was killed during a mission in Sicily, Italy, in 1909. The renaming honors his bravery and legacy.

Today, Lt. Joseph Petrosino Park is full of life. Bright, modern playgrounds welcome toddlers and older kids alike. Spray showers draw crowds on hot summer days, teens can play basketball and handball, while adults make use of the fitness equipment or relax on shaded benches. Just steps from the 71st Street D train station, the park is easy to reach and always active. 

Stay with us as we continue exploring more parks in the weeks ahead.

Photos by: Duvid Jaroslowicz/BoroPark24