Chess Tables in Church Square Park
In the past decade, chess has seen a major resurgence in popularity for America's youth. This trend is readily evident in Hoboken, where the five-year-old Hoboken Chess Club has evolved into one of the state's premier chess programs. In an effort to support this movement, the city dedicated three concrete chess tables Wednesday and held a Chess Festival at Church Square Park. The new tables have been dedicated to Hoboken's own coach and teaching guru, Peter Croce, who founded the Hoboken Chess Club. "Chess is gymnastics for the mind," said Croce Wednesday at the dedication. He added that in the past five years, he has taught over 1,000 children how to play chess, and his students have competed in state chess championships for the past four. He added that the game improves critical thinking skills and concentration. He also noted that interest in the game is growing dramatically. In the last year, the United States Chess Federation records show that its membership has increased to 90,000 members, of which half are school aged children. Even though the Chess Club has a permanent location at 334 Park Ave., Croce said that having a table in the park is another opportunity to introduce children to chess. He said that it is his plan to put chess pieces out every afternoon after school and allow students to play for free. "They now know that if they want to play chess, then this is the place to come," said Croce Young champions While the many of the Croce's students have had success at the state championships, three in particular have shown their mettle. |
