Barclay Triangle

Barclay Triangle, situated at the intersection of 102nd Street and Astoria Boulevard in East Elmhurst, NY 11369, USA, is a unique and historically significant green space. While it may not be sprawling in acreage, this small park serves as a vital community asset, offering a tranquil retreat for local residents amidst the urban landscape. It is officially recognized and maintained by NYC Parks, ensuring its upkeep as a public amenity.

The environment of Barclay Triangle is primarily designed for passive recreation and quiet enjoyment. As a "triangle" park, its shape is dictated by the intersection of major thoroughfares, creating a distinct and defined green island within the concrete surroundings. The park features red brick walkways and comfortable benches, inviting visitors to sit and relax. A notable environmental characteristic, as highlighted by a user review, is its relative quietness, offering a peaceful escape from the sounds of city traffic. While the review also notes a "lack of little trees," official information from NYC Parks indicates the presence of five Pin Oak trees. These trees, known for their pyramidal shape, glossy leaves, and resilience in urban conditions, grow to significant heights (fifty to seventy-five feet), providing shade and contributing to the park's green canopy. In autumn, their leaves transform into brilliant red and bronze, adding seasonal color to the environment. The combination of established trees, walkways, and seating creates a soothing oasis, despite its location amidst major roads. The dedication to maintaining a green space, even a small one, contributes positively to the local microclimate and offers a visual relief in a dense urban neighborhood.

As a scenic spot, Barclay Triangle offers a modest yet meaningful aesthetic experience. Its scenic appeal lies in its function as a well-maintained urban garden and a place of historical commemoration. The structured layout with brick pathways and benches provides a neat and orderly appearance. The presence of mature Pin Oak trees contributes significantly to its visual charm, providing a sense of natural beauty and shade. The park's purpose as a memorial to Liev Barclay (1897-1917), a Queens native who died in World War I, adds a layer of solemn beauty and historical significance. For those seeking a quiet corner for reflection or a simple connection with nature, the park's design and features create a pleasant and understated scenic environment. It is a place where one can pause, observe the surrounding urban life from a comfortable distance, and appreciate the thoughtful integration of green space into the cityscape.

In terms of services and features, Barclay Triangle, as a public park, primarily offers free access to a green space for passive recreation. There are no direct goods for sale within the park itself, as it functions purely as a public amenity. Its services are therefore focused on providing an accessible and pleasant environment for the community. Key features include:

• Benches: Numerous comfortable benches are available, allowing visitors to sit, rest, and observe.
• Red Brick Walkways: These pathways create a clear circulation pattern within the park and add to its aesthetic appeal.
• Pin Oak Trees: Five mature Pin Oak trees provide shade, contribute to air quality, and enhance the visual environment with their seasonal color changes.
• Quiet Atmosphere: User reviews highlight its quiet nature, making it suitable for peaceful contemplation or reading.
• Commemorative Aspect: The park serves as a tribute to Liev Barclay, offering a historical and commemorative dimension that encourages reflection on his sacrifice. This historical context adds a unique layer of public service, as it helps preserve local history and honor a notable individual.
• Accessibility: Located at a prominent intersection (102nd St. & Astoria Blvd), the park is easily accessible to pedestrians from the surrounding East Elmhurst neighborhood.

The historical background of Barclay Triangle adds significant depth to its character. The land was acquired by the City of New York in November 1933, and six years later, Parks assumed jurisdiction. On March 9, 1939, a local law officially designated the park "Liev Barclay Square" (now known as Barclay Triangle) to honor Liev Barclay (1897-1917). Barclay, a native of Queens, left the United States at the age of nineteen to serve in World War I, first with the American Ambulance Corps and then with the LaFayette Flying Corps, including the Escadrille Lafayette (Lafayette Squadron). He received numerous citations for his distinguished service, including the Medal of the Ligne Internationale des Aviateurs, the LaFayette Flying Corps Medal, and the Croix de Guerre, one of the highest French awards for valor. He was killed in action over France on June 1, 1917. This history transforms the park from a simple green space into a living memorial, enriching the experience for those who visit.

For promotional information, Barclay Triangle can be presented as a peaceful, historically significant local park in East Elmhurst. Key promotional messages could include:

• "Discover a Quiet Corner of East Elmhurst: Find respite at Barclay Triangle, a serene park perfect for a moment of calm amidst your day."
• "A Tribute to a Local Hero: Reflect on the bravery of Liev Barclay, a Queens native and World War I hero, honored by this commemorative green space."
• "Enjoy Simple Pleasures: With comfortable benches and shade from mature Pin Oak trees, Barclay Triangle is an ideal spot for reading, quiet conversation, or simply enjoying the outdoors."
• "Easily Accessible: Located at 102nd St. & Astoria Blvd, it's a convenient and welcoming green escape for residents of East Elmhurst."

Barclay Triangle

102nd St. &, Astoria Blvd, East Elmhurst, NY 11369, USA