Loreto Playground

Morris Park Ave. bet. Haight Ave. and Tomlinson Ave.

Bronx, 10461

This text is part of Parks’ Historical Signs Project and can be found posted within the park.

This playground honors Alfred Loreto (1902-1950), slain New York City Police Officer. On the evening of July 21, 1950, Loreto, off-duty, was standing near his home on Hering Avenue in the Morris Park section of the Bronx when he saw two men with guns kidnapping a neighbor. Loreto pursued the two escaping gunmen, rescued the victim, but lost his life to a bullet. The following year, a playground opened near the scene of the shooting, and the community asked Parks to name the park for Alfred Loreto. Through local law, on October 11, 1951, Parks complied with the request.