The playground and the street are named after Alfred Kowalski (1879-1943), a prominent Luxembourg composer of Polish origin who was born in Pfaffenthal. He studied with masters such as Charles-Marie Widor and Richard Strauss, and was active as an organist, conductor of the "Sang a Klang" choir and director of the Conservatory in Esch-sur-Alzette. In Pfaffenthal, he was honoured, among other things, by having a street and a playground named after him.

Alfred was the grandson of Michał Kowalski, a Polish emigrant from Zalesie near Brest, who settled in Luxembourg in the 19th century. His family was heavily involved in the local community and Alfred and his brother Emil (known for his scientific achievements) were honoured with street names in Luxembourg and Diekirch (Rue Emile Kowalsky).