Columbus Park

Contributor

Citysearch

Background – Once a recreational hub for Italian immigrant workers, Columbus Park is now a meeting place for local Chinese residents. At the north end of the park stands an abandoned pavilion, built in 1897, painted bright red and adorned with gold dragons. A statue of Columbus that once stood among the trees now sits atop a pillar overlooking Central Park on 59th Street. – – Features – Not long after sun-up, neighbors gather for tai chi practice on the weather-beaten concrete courts. But the park really livens up by afternoon: Men betting on dominoes, women playing…