Mazzei Playground

Mace Ave. bet. Pauldings Ave. and Williamsbridge Rd.

Bronx, 10469

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

Philip Mazzei (1730-1816), an influential early American statesman, was born in Poggio a Caiano, near Florence, Italy. He was known for his unusual interests and unique occupations. He studied classical Latin and Italian literatures as well as agronomy (the science of soil management and crop production). He was a licensed physician, an author, a teacher, an importer of olive oil, wine, and cheese, and a renowned world traveler—legend has it that a Turkish sultan’s smitten daughter once made an offer to purchase the young Mazzei.