Corporal Wiltshire Square

In the bustling landscape of Brooklyn, where urban vibrancy meets suburban charm, lies a small but significant green space known as Corporal Wiltshire Square. Situated at the intersection of Avenue P and Kings Highway, this triangular plaza serves as a quiet respite and a point of historical interest for the Midwood community. For New Yorkers navigating the daily rhythm of city life, finding these pockets of greenery is essential for a moment of peace, a breath of fresh air, or simply a place to pause and observe the neighborhood.

Corporal Wiltshire Square holds a unique place in Brooklyn's history, named in honor of Corporal Clifford C. Wiltshire (1896-1918), a Brooklyn resident who bravely served and tragically lost his life during World War I. Wiltshire, who lived at 1022 Avenue P, enlisted the very day the United States declared war on Germany in 1917. His dedication to his country led him to the 69th Regiment, later known as the "Fighting Irish," and he was killed in action during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive in October 1918. The City of New York acquired this property in 1922 and, after initially being named for Joyce Kilmer, it was officially renamed for Corporal Wiltshire in 1939, solidifying its place as a memorial to a local hero.

While some larger parks in New York City boast extensive amenities and sprawling landscapes, Corporal Wiltshire Square offers a more intimate, neighborhood-focused experience. It's the kind of spot where locals might quickly pass through, or sit on a bench to enjoy a moment of quiet reflection amidst the urban hum. Its modest size (0.05 acres) belies its historical significance and its role as a familiar landmark for those who call Midwood home.

Like many public spaces, its character can fluctuate, and some local reviews mention concerns about its upkeep or certain activities. However, for many, it remains a "nice little place" – a testament to the enduring value of even the smallest green spaces in a densely populated city like New York. It’s a space that provides a sense of place and history, reminding residents of the sacrifices made and the community ties that bind.

Corporal Wiltshire Square is strategically located in the heart of Brooklyn's Midwood neighborhood, specifically at the corner of Ave P and Kings Highway, Brooklyn, NY 11229, USA. Its exact position is where Ocean Avenue merges with Avenue P and Kings Highway, forming the distinctive triangular shape of the plaza. This intersection is a well-known thoroughfare in the area, making the square a highly visible and easily identifiable landmark.

For New Yorkers, accessibility is often a key consideration when it comes to local amenities. Corporal Wiltshire Square benefits from its excellent connectivity within Brooklyn's public transportation network. Kings Highway is a major commercial street, well-served by local buses and subway lines. The Kings Highway BMT station (Brighton Line) is in close proximity, offering convenient access via the B and Q subway lines. Numerous bus routes also traverse Kings Highway and Avenue P, ensuring that residents from various parts of Midwood and surrounding neighborhoods can reach the square with ease.

For those traveling by car, street parking in the Midwood area can be competitive, especially during peak hours, but it is typically available within a few blocks. The plaza itself is designed as a pedestrian space, encouraging local foot traffic and providing a brief respite from the surrounding streets. Its open layout ensures good visibility and easy entry from multiple points along the intersection.

As a compact triangular plaza, Corporal Wiltshire Square offers fundamental services typical of smaller public spaces managed by NYC Parks. These services are geared towards providing basic comfort and a pleasant environment for visitors.

• Seating: The square is equipped with benches, including "World's Fair benches" added during a 2001 renovation. These provide spots for individuals to sit, rest, and observe the neighborhood.
• Plantings: The square features various plantings, including a pin oak tree, inkberry plants, linden viburnum, and summersweet clethras, contributing to the aesthetic appeal and providing some natural elements in an urban setting.
• Paved Surfaces: The plaza has new paving, which ensures a smooth and accessible surface for pedestrians, strollers, and those with mobility aids, allowing for easy navigation within the space.
• Flagpole: A yardarm flagpole was installed during the 2001 renovation, serving as a prominent feature and a symbol of civic pride.
• Lighting: As a public space, the square is illuminated during evening hours, ensuring visibility and safety for those who pass through.

It is important to note that, given its small size and nature as a plaza, Corporal Wiltshire Square does not offer extensive amenities such as playgrounds, dedicated restrooms, or water features, which are typically found in larger neighborhood parks. Its primary function is as a passive recreational space and a community landmark.

Corporal Wiltshire Square, while small, possesses several notable features and highlights that contribute to its character and importance within the Midwood community.

• Historical Significance: The square's dedication to Corporal Clifford C. Wiltshire serves as a poignant reminder of local sacrifice and military history. This historical aspect adds a layer of depth to the space, offering a quiet memorial in the heart of a bustling neighborhood. The historical sign within the park provides detailed information about Wiltshire's service, connecting visitors to a tangible piece of New York City's past.
• Architectural and Landscape Design: The 2001 renovation, funded by Mayor Giuliani, brought significant enhancements, including new paving, granite edging, and strategically chosen plantings. The inclusion of a pin oak tree, inkberry plants, and linden viburnum creates a visually appealing green space that provides a touch of nature amidst the urban landscape.
• Community Landmark: Its prominent location at the intersection of Avenue P and Kings Highway makes it a well-recognized landmark. This triangular plaza serves as a familiar reference point for residents and visitors alike, contributing to the neighborhood's identity.
• Passive Recreation Opportunity: For locals, it serves as a "nice little place" for passive recreation. It offers benches for sitting, enjoying a coffee, reading, or simply watching the world go by. In a dense urban environment, such spaces are invaluable for providing moments of calm and reflection.
• Gateway to Midwood: Given its location on Kings Highway, one of Midwood's main shopping streets, the square acts as a gateway to the broader neighborhood. It's a spot where people might pause before or after visiting local businesses.

As a public park maintained by NYC Parks, Corporal Wiltshire Square does not engage in commercial promotions or special offers. Its purpose is to serve the community as a free, accessible public space. Therefore, you won't find traditional sales, discounts, or loyalty programs associated with the square itself.

However, the square’s prime location in Midwood, a vibrant commercial district, means it is surrounded by numerous local businesses on Kings Highway and Avenue P. These nearby shops, restaurants, and services frequently offer their own promotions, sales, or special events. While not directly affiliated with Corporal Wiltshire Square, visitors to the park might discover these local business opportunities simply by being in the area. For example, the Kings Highway commercial strip features a variety of shops, from fashion outlets to ethnic food stores, many of which run their own specials throughout the year.

Any community-led events or initiatives that might take place at Corporal Wiltshire Square would typically be free and publicly announced through local community boards or the NYC Parks official website. To stay informed about any potential activities, it's advisable for locals to consult neighborhood associations or the NYC Parks public calendar.

For general inquiries related to Corporal Wiltshire Square or other public parks in New York City, you can reach out to NYC Parks using the following contact details:

Address: Ave P &, Kings Hwy, Brooklyn, NY 11229, USA

Phone: (212) 639-9675

Mobile Phone: +1 212-639-9675

These phone numbers connect you to the broader NYC Parks department. For specific information or immediate concerns regarding Corporal Wiltshire Square, visiting the official NYC Parks website and navigating to the specific park page (Park ID: B205) is often the most direct way to find detailed operational information or report issues.

Corporal Wiltshire Square, though modest in size, is undoubtedly a suitable and valuable asset for locals in the Midwood neighborhood of Brooklyn. Its suitability stems from its unique blend of historical significance, convenient location, and function as a accessible urban green space.

For residents, the square acts as a familiar and enduring landmark, deeply woven into the fabric of daily life in Midwood. It's a place that offers a brief but meaningful escape from the surrounding urban environment – a small oasis where one can sit on a bench, enjoy the plantings, and take a moment to breathe. In a city as dense as New York, having such accessible pockets of green space, even if they are compact plazas, is crucial for mental well-being and a sense of community.

The historical context of the square, honoring Corporal Clifford C. Wiltshire, provides a unique layer of local pride and memory. It’s a subtle reminder of the sacrifices made for the nation and helps connect current residents to the rich history of their neighborhood. This civic and historical element makes the square more than just a patch of greenery; it’s a living monument.

Furthermore, its prime location at a busy intersection makes it highly accessible for pedestrians and those using public transportation. Whether you’re heading to the nearby Kings Highway shopping district, or simply commuting through the area, Corporal Wiltshire Square offers a convenient point to pause and regroup. While some reviews indicate a need for ongoing attention to ensure its consistent cleanliness and tranquility, the fundamental value of having an open, public space for residents to utilize remains high.

In essence, Corporal Wiltshire Square serves as a microcosm of Brooklyn’s urban landscape – a place that is both practical and historically rich, providing a much-needed green spot for quiet contemplation and a strong sense of local identity. It's precisely this combination that makes it a suitable and cherished resource for the people who call Midwood home.

Corporal Wiltshire Square

Ave P &, Kings Hwy, Brooklyn, NY 11229, USA