Doughboy Plaza

Doughboy Plaza, located at Woodside Avenue, Woodside, NY 11377, is more than just a public park; it is a profound "Scenic Spot" and a significant historical landmark within the Woodside neighborhood of Queens, New York. This 1.71-acre public space serves as a solemn memorial and a welcoming community area, managed by NYC Parks, ensuring its preservation and accessibility for local residents. The park's primary offering, in its category, is a space for quiet contemplation, historical remembrance, and passive recreation, deeply rooted in its commemorative purpose.

The history of Doughboy Plaza is intricately tied to its central feature: "The Returning Soldier" monument, affectionately known as "The Woodside Doughboy." This poignant bronze and granite statue, created by sculptor Burt Johnson, was erected by the Woodside Community Council in 1923, predating the official naming of the park in 1971. Its purpose was to commemorate the local men and women who served in World War I, particularly those who gathered at this very site, once a "mustering ground," before departing for the war. Tragically, ten men who left from this site died in combat. The monument was dedicated on Memorial Day, May 30, 1923, funded by public subscription, and has since been the focal point for annual patriotic ceremonies on Memorial Day. In 1928, the American Federation of Arts recognized the Woodside Doughboy as the best war memorial of its kind.

Before its transformation into a sitting area for adults, the land was acquired by the Town of Newtown in 1893 as a play area for P.S. 11. It transitioned to New York City ownership in 1898 and was eventually assigned to NYC Parks in 1957, with the new park opening the following year. Over the years, the park has undergone several significant renovations to maintain its dignity and enhance its features. The doughboy sculpture was conserved in 1990, and the surrounding plaza saw renovations in 2001, adding new seating and greenery. A major restoration project, completed in 2021 with a budget of $1.8 million, further improved the monument plaza with bluestone paving, removal of high fences, increased seating, new lighting, and planting beds. This renovation also included the reconstruction of the existing memorial wall, re-setting the 9/11 Memorial Plaque, and installing new granite veneer facing.

The environment of Doughboy Plaza is one of quiet solemnity and urban green space. It is located on a hilly parcel of land bounded by Woodside Avenue, Skillman Avenue, and between 54th and 56th Streets. The park features meticulously maintained landscaping, including new trees, shrubs, and groundcovers following the recent renovations. The design incorporates bluestone pavement, new benches for ample seating, and a reconstructed flagpole. A particularly significant aspect of its environment is the presence of a memorial plaque dedicated in 2006 to the 34 Woodside residents who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, alongside stone panels listing the names of World War I casualties and major WWI campaigns. The improved lighting emphasizes the U.S. flag and the statue itself, creating a respectful and reflective ambiance.

As a Scenic Spot, Doughboy Plaza primarily provides a space for public enjoyment, reflection, and historical awareness. While it does not offer goods or direct services for sale, its inherent value lies in its role as a community gathering place and a site of remembrance. Visitors can find benches for seating, allowing for a moment of rest or contemplation. The meticulously maintained green areas contribute to an improved urban aesthetic. The park also features a dog run, providing a dedicated space for pet owners, accessible via a newly constructed staircase, which adds a practical recreational service for the local community. The presence of these amenities makes it a more versatile public space, accommodating a wider range of local users.

Customer reviews highlight the park's significance as an "Interesting memorial" that was "done more than a hundred yrs ago," emphasizing its historical depth. One review notes, "Is a good place," affirming its general utility as a public space. However, a pragmatic point raised by a user is the absence of restrooms within the plaza itself, with the suggestion that "if u want to use restroom you need to go to Windmuller Park is to close." This practical feedback informs potential visitors about available facilities in the immediate vicinity, enhancing their planning for a visit. The park’s phone number, (212) 639-9675, connects to NYC Parks, offering a resource for further inquiries about the park or its management.

Promotional information for Doughboy Plaza would center on its dual identity as both a historical memorial and a community green space. Emphasis can be placed on its role as a site for annual Memorial Day observances and other patriotic events, inviting residents to participate in these important traditions. The recent $1.8 million renovation can be highlighted as a significant improvement, showcasing the park's enhanced beauty and functionality, including the new bluestone plaza, increased seating, and improved lighting. For local users, it can be promoted as a serene oasis for quiet reflection amidst the urban bustle, a convenient meeting point, and a place to honor the sacrifices of veterans and 9/11 victims. The inclusion of the dog run also broadens its appeal, inviting pet owners to utilize the space. Doughboy Plaza serves as a testament to Woodside's community spirit and its commitment to honoring its past, making it a valuable and cherished local asset.

Doughboy Plaza

Woodside Ave, Woodside, NY 11377, USA