Rendering (Parks Dept)
Jan. 30, 2018 By Christian Murray
The Parks Department has unveiled its preliminary plans for the $1.5 overhaul of Doughboy Plaza in Woodside.
The plaza, which pays tribute to fallen soldiers who gave up their lives to protect freedom, is located on the corner of Woodside Avenue between 54th and 56th streets. In June, Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer allocated city funds for its overhaul.
Gone will be the uneven cobble stones, the white and green walls, and the old water fountain.
The plans call for the pavement to replaced with a bluestone surface, and the distinctive-colored walls covered with a granite veneer. Other features include additional benches, a new water fountain, two additional planting areas and more trees.
The area will have better lighting, with a focus on illuminating the U.S. flag. There will be retro-style lamps added and the Dougboy statue restored.
“The new plans will make it a much more dignified space,” Van Bramer said. “This is a sacred place and it’s a fitting tribute to our brave service men and women who fought on the front lines. It’s also a space for Woodsiders and Queens residents to enjoy and it will help elevate the entire area.”
Doughboy Plaza (June, 2017)
The 1.71 acre park was established in 1923 and includes the “Doughboy” monument that commemorates those who served in World War I. Other monuments have been added since. A stone panel was installed in 2001 listing the names of the eleven major WW1 campaigns in which Americans fought, and then in 2006 a Sept. 11 memorial plaque was added dedicated to the 34 people who died in the attacks from Woodside.
The Doughboy statue was last restored in 1990 and the plaza surrounding the statue was last renovated in 2001. A Doughboy is an informal term for an American infantryman, particularly those who fought in the trenches during WW1.
The Parks Dept has yet to provide a time line as to when work will begin, although the construction phase is expected to last about one year.
The plans still need to go through the approval process, including review from the Public Design Commission.
Doughboy-2018_01_03 by Queens Post on Scribd
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9 Comments
Please just make a small section of this huge park in to a skatepark, would solve so many problems. including but not limited to; skateboarders skating on the bandshell/basketball courts, keeping the skateboarders isolated from the kids playing in the lower playground, keeping skateboarders from skateboarding on other people’s property. It’s not too much to ask for and there is definitely enough space for a small portion of it to be considered a skatepark
Like the more dignified idea. This is a park honoring heros. More tables and more benches are a nice idea. Maybe put dog area between Doughboy Park and Windmiller rather than under P.S. 11’s windows. (I have two dogs) People have been using areas of the park as a bathroom. Parks should be monitored to keep them safe and pleasant. More trashcans, emptied often are needed.Looking forward to enjoying this new park! Will make Woodside a better place!
I think they should keep the green wall, but change the cobble stone floor.
It should take about 5 minutes or less for the nearby homeless men and drug users from all of those hotels in the neighborhood for it to turn to crap.
Who got to decide to post the “Benghazi Heroes” stuff down there?
I hope they maintain the lime-green color scheme.
Welcome news indeed for we who have witnessed the disruption and mess of the past year. Are there provisions for a discreet play area for Pet Dogs? Many residents will appreciate the restoration of the second uphill pathway.
walk your dog like everyone else —
Wonderful to see these plans to honor our fallen neighbors.
The children love sliding on the sloping retaining walls, which brings joy and laughter to this memorial park. Can the stone caps remain smooth for sliding?
The existing tables make for a quiet spot to study and to eat a meal. Can these tables or similar stay in the park? Maybe between the parallel benches near the flag for chess or a family meal?