[The Epoch Times, March 11, 2022](The Epoch Times reporter Lin Dan in New York reported) Queens Parks Commissioner Michael Dockert announced on March 10 at the Bland Playground in Flushing , the Bland Playground at Flushing’s 40th and Prince St. junctions, will begin a year-long renovation this summer.
Director Docter said the renovation project, with a total investment of 6 million yuan, will build sprinkler facilities, new amusement facilities, and refurbish the basketball court.
According to the information about the playground on the New York City Parks website, the Bland playground has a long history. The NYC Housing Authority handed over the playground site to the New York City Parks Department in 1952, and it was later opened to the public.
Bland Playground is named after the Flushing native and famous black folk writer James A. Bland (1854-1911). Brand was once known as “the greatest black folk song writer in America” and “the greatest bard in the world”. At the age of 19, he wrote his most famous song, “Carry Me Back to Old Virginny,” which was made the state anthem by Virginia in 1940. Between 1882 and 1901, Brand lived in England and Scotland, and toured throughout Europe, where he enjoyed great popularity. In 1901, he returned to the United States and later died in Philadelphia. In 1970, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
The “James A. Bland house” next to Bland’s playground is also named after him.
Editor in charge: Chen Wenqi
