Central Park closed down multiple playgrounds late Saturday morning during the St. Patrick’s Day parade, because on previous St. Patrick’s Days people have left the playgrounds strewn with broken glass, a parks employee told us. He was in the process of blocking the entrance to the Hecksher playground at the south end of the park and telling people they would have to leave.
Playgrounds on the far West Side remained open, but those on the East side will be closed to protect them from damage, the employee said.
Meanwhile, police on horseback chased teenagers around, telling them to stub out cigarettes and stay out of playgrounds.
Hechscker Playground after it was closed down.
