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In November of 1929 a resolution to officially build a park on this property was supported by the South Elmhurst Civic and Taxpayers Association, members of which wanted to prevent the construction of a gas station on the property. In October, 1930, however, proceedings to attain the park were delayed, and the city would not acquire the land for another Read more...
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Denis P. Gorman (1903-1963) was a civic leader devoted to providing recreational facilities for the youth of Queens. Through Gorman’s efforts, the City acquired this parkland, and today the playground honors his memory. As well as being responsible for the construction of this playground, Gorman also helped to bring franchised bus service to Jackson Heights in 1932. He served as Read more...
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This triangle honors Leroy H. Gwirtzman (1927-1992), a World War II patriot and an active community member who contributed many years of dedicated service to this neighborhood. A Brooklyn native, Gwirtzman attended P.S. 99 and Midwood High School. He served in the United States Army during World War II (1939-1945), returning to study at New York University, where he graduated Read more...
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Private Edward F. Gordon, a native of Long Island City who grew up at 44 Sherman Place, served in the United States Army as a member of Company C of the 165th Infantry. He was killed in action in World War I on July 30, 1918. This small triangle, which lies at the intersection of Vernon Boulevard, 44th Drive, and Read more...
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This park is named to honor Jerry Tenney (1928-1977), a dedicated community leader who played a major role in the development of the surrounding Glen Oaks Village apartment complex. Born in the Bronx on March 28, 1928, Tenney attended DeWitt Clinton High School, New York University, and Long Island University, where he earned a Masters Degree. Tenney was a real Read more...
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This park honors Grover Cleveland (1837-1908), the 22nd and 24th President of the United States. Stephen Grover Cleveland was born on March 18, 1837 in Caldwell, New Jersey. The Cleveland family moved to New York four years later, where Cleveland attended Fayetteville’s district school house and, later, Clinton Liberal Institute in Clinton, NY. After working for a year in the Read more...
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The plan for New York City’s original parkway system was conceived by distinguished landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903). Olmsted is best known for his work with Calvert Vaux (1824-1895); the two designed both Central Park (1858-76) and Prospect Park (1865-95), as well as Riverside (1875-1900) and Morningside Parks (1883-95). During the second half of the 19th century, Olmsted emerged Read more...
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This parkland commemorates the soldiers from the Maspeth area of Queens who gave their lives in World War I. The park’s namesake, Walter A. Garlinge, was the first resident of Maspeth who fell in the war. Private Garlinge was killed in action on September 2, 1918, just nine weeks before the end of the War. The first colony settled by Read more...
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Shakespeare once asked, “What’s in a name?” In the case of parks, a name often reflects the history of the place and the spirit of the time when the park was named. Some derive their name from a previous owner of the property, others from local streets. 100% Playground, received its name from its location on East 100th Street in Read more...
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The name of ABC Playground reflects both its location at the northern edge of Alphabet City and its proximity to Public School 20, the Anna Silver School. The newer, more imaginative appellation was bestowed upon the playground after a $250,000 improvement was made to the playground in October 1998. This improved playground now consists of modern play units, animal art, Read more...
