8. Herbert Von King Park
Herbert Von King Park in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood is one of Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux’s lesser-known collaborations. Originally the site of Tunis Johnson’s estate, Herbert Von King Park was acquired in 1857 and named after Daniel D. Tompkins, who served four terms as governor of New York and two terms as vice president under James Monroe.
In 1871, Olmsted and Vaux submitted a plan for the park, which was originally planned as a public square for ceremonies and military reviews. The park was replanted with tall trees and incorporated winding walks. In 1915, space was cleared to accommodate large crowds of concertgoers. The park is named for Herbert Von King, nicknamed the “Mayor of Bedford-Stuyvesant,” who was an active community leader for over 50 years. Across the street from the park stands one of only two trees to ever be awarded NYC landmark status.