Thousands celebrate Seton Park's opening day

1976

At last

It’s not surprising that after waiting more than two decades for a park to be planned, designed and completed, residents would want to kick up their heels. At the opening ceremony for Seton Park they weren’t disappointed. The Press called it “an event of community togetherness.”

A gaggle of politicians was on hand, of course, to make speeches. They included Parks Commissioner Martin Lang, U.S. Senator James Buckley, two state senators, Assemblyman Oliver Koppell, Councilman Stanley Simon and Community Board vice chairman June Margolin [Eisland].

The throng of well-wishers, estimated in the thousands, heard Msgr. John Doherty of St. John’s Church give the invocation. Sports celebrities were on hand to give pointers to local kids, including baseball’s first designated hitter, Yankee and Riverdalian Ron Blomberg and former Knick Cal Ramsey.

Riverdale Neighborhood House used its dome as headquarters for an impromptu flea market and food court serving food from the Golden Gate restaurant on Johnson Avenue and Marie’s Cookery on Mosholu Avenue.

The New York Botanical Garden sold plants for a nickel next to booths offering flowers, kisses and rides “for the little ones.”

As The Press noted, “All contributed to the atmosphere of gaiety and fun typical of a small town on a holiday.”