This playground honors Stanley Myer Isaacs (1882-1962), a dedicated lawyer, civic leader, and independent thinker. Born and raised in New York City, Isaacs graduated from Columbia College and New York Law School, and then embarked on a career in public service. During World War I, he served as chairman of a local draft board on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Between 1938 and 1941, as Borough President of Manhattan, Isaacs worked with Parks Commissioner Robert Moses to complete one of the most significant feats of urban construction New York had ever seen: the building of the East River Drive, now known as Franklin D. Roosevelt Drive. This road borders Stanley Isaacs Playground between East 95th and East 97th Streets.