[1][2][3] The playground has modular play equipment that is red, white, and green (in honor of the Italian flag), built-in stone chess tables, a basketball half-court, and benches.

John DeSalvio, a first-generation American, served as district leader of the Second Assembly District (West), and was one of a few Italian-Americans in the Tammany Hall political organization.

Louis DeSalvio served as Second District New York State Assemblyman.

The Government of New York City acquired the property in 1954 and turned it over to the Parks department.

The playground opened on December 15, 1955 as "John DeSalvio Park".