Michael J. Leonard Memorial Plaza

Nestled at a prominent intersection in Staten Island, the Michael J. Leonard Memorial Plaza is more than just a green space; it's a poignant tribute to local heroes and a quiet respite for the community. For New Yorkers, especially those residing in or passing through Staten Island, this plaza offers a moment of reflection and a connection to the borough's rich history. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by brave individuals, particularly Corporal Michael J. Leonard, for whom the plaza is named.

While it may not boast expansive trails or recreational facilities like larger parks, Michael J. Leonard Memorial Plaza holds significant historical and communal value. It's a place where you can pause, absorb the tranquility, and honor those who served. The plaza's design and central monument contribute to its serene atmosphere, making it a fitting memorial and a peaceful spot for contemplation in the midst of daily life. Its location at a busy junction also means it's frequently seen and passed by, ensuring that the sacrifices it commemorates are not forgotten.

The plaza's establishment by the Grasmere Post #1191 of the American Legion highlights the deep community roots and the ongoing commitment to remembering local veterans. It’s a space maintained with care, reflecting the respect and gratitude of the Staten Island community. For locals, it's a familiar landmark that evokes a sense of pride and remembrance. Whether you're commuting past it, or making a specific visit, the Michael J. Leonard Memorial Plaza provides a small but significant patch of green that enriches the urban landscape and serves as a quiet reminder of service and sacrifice.

In a city as dynamic as New York, even smaller parks and plazas play a crucial role in providing essential green infrastructure and preserving historical narratives. Michael J. Leonard Memorial Plaza fulfills this role admirably, offering a dignified and accessible public space. It demonstrates how even a compact area can serve multiple purposes: as a memorial, a green oasis, and a point of historical reference for the community. For anyone interested in local history or simply seeking a peaceful moment, this plaza is a valuable addition to Staten Island's landscape.

Michael J. Leonard Memorial Plaza is prominently situated on Staten Island, New York, at the intersection of Clove Boulevard and Hylan Boulevard (Clove Blvd & Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA). This strategic location places it in a well-trafficked area, making it easily identifiable and accessible for both local residents and those navigating the borough.

Its position at a major intersection means it's visible from passing vehicles and convenient for pedestrians in the surrounding neighborhoods. For those relying on public transportation, various local MTA bus routes serve the Hylan Boulevard and Clove Boulevard corridors, providing relatively easy access to the plaza. Checking the most current NYC Transit schedules for Staten Island will help in planning a direct route to the area.

While the plaza itself is a compact space, its location makes it a highly accessible point for individuals wishing to pause, reflect, or simply enjoy a moment of tranquility. Its design, integrated into the urban fabric, ensures that it remains a visible and approachable landmark. This ease of access contributes to its role as a significant community memorial and a familiar part of the Staten Island landscape for countless New Yorkers.

Parking in the immediate vicinity might be typical of an urban intersection, with street parking potentially available on nearby residential streets or commercial areas, depending on local regulations and demand. While there isn't a dedicated large parking lot associated with the plaza itself, its urban setting suggests it's primarily designed for pedestrian access from surrounding areas and for those passing by who wish to make a brief stop.

As a memorial plaza rather than a traditional recreational park, Michael J. Leonard Memorial Plaza offers services primarily focused on its role as a commemorative site and a public green space.

• Historical Commemoration: The plaza serves as a permanent tribute to Corporal Michael J. Leonard, U.S. Army, killed in action in France on July 16, 1918, during World War I. It also honors all deceased members of Grasmere Post #1191 of the American Legion.

• Quiet Reflection Area: Provides a peaceful outdoor space for individuals to pause, reflect, and remember the sacrifices of veterans.

• Public Green Space: Offers a small, landscaped area with greenery, contributing to the aesthetics and environmental quality of the urban intersection.

• Accessible Public Landmark: Serves as an easily identifiable landmark within Staten Island, integrated into daily community life.

• Central Monument: The plaza features a dignified granite monument, erected on May 30, 1968, by Grasmere Post #1191, American Legion. The monument is engraved with the name of Corporal Michael J. Leonard and dedications to other deceased members.

• Historical Significance: Commemorates a specific individual's sacrifice in World War I, providing a tangible link to local military history and the broader context of American involvement in global conflicts.

• Community Tribute: Represents a direct and lasting tribute from a local American Legion post, underscoring community remembrance and patriotism.

• Urban Greenery: While modest in size, the plaza incorporates landscaping elements, offering a small patch of green space at a busy intersection, contributing to urban beautification.

• Prominent Location: Situated at the busy intersection of Clove Boulevard and Hylan Boulevard, ensuring high visibility and recognition by the community.

As a public memorial plaza managed by NYC Parks, Michael J. Leonard Memorial Plaza does not offer commercial promotions or special offers in the traditional sense. Its primary function is to serve as a perpetual tribute and a publicly accessible green space.

However, the plaza may be the site of informal or formally organized commemorative events, especially around national holidays such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, or other significant dates related to military service. These events, typically organized by local veterans' organizations like the American Legion Grasmere Post #1191, or community groups, are free and open to the public. They serve as opportunities for the community to gather, pay respects, and reflect on the sacrifices honored by the plaza.

To learn about any potential public ceremonies or gatherings at Michael J. Leonard Memorial Plaza, locals are advised to:

• Check with the local American Legion Grasmere Post #1191 for their event schedules.

• Consult local Staten Island community calendars or news outlets, especially in the weeks leading up to major patriotic holidays.

• Visit the NYC Parks website (nycgovparks.org) and search for events or information related to Staten Island parks and memorials, although specific events for smaller plazas might not always be individually listed.

These events are not "promotions" but rather essential community gatherings that reinforce the plaza's purpose and ensure its continued relevance as a site of remembrance and honor.

For general inquiries related to Michael J. Leonard Memorial Plaza, including its maintenance or any official information, you would typically contact the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, which oversees public parks and monuments throughout the five boroughs.

General NYC Parks Phone: (212) 639-9675

General NYC Parks Mobile Phone: +1 212-639-9675

Address: Clove Blvd &, Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA

When contacting the NYC Parks department, it is helpful to specify that your inquiry pertains to the Michael J. Leonard Memorial Plaza in Staten Island to ensure your call is directed to the appropriate division or personnel. For historical information or details regarding the specific memorial, contacting local Staten Island historical societies or the American Legion Grasmere Post #1191 might also be beneficial, as they would likely hold records related to the plaza's dedication and the individuals it honors.

Michael J. Leonard Memorial Plaza holds a unique and significant place for locals in the New York region, particularly for those residing on Staten Island. While it may not offer extensive recreational facilities like larger parks, its suitability for locals stems from its profound historical significance, its role as a community landmark, and its quiet contribution to the urban landscape.

Firstly, the plaza serves as a crucial touchstone for local history and remembrance. Dedicated to Corporal Michael J. Leonard, a Staten Islander who made the ultimate sacrifice in World War I, and honoring other deceased members of a local American Legion post, it provides a tangible link to the community's past and its contributions to national defense. For locals, this means having a readily accessible place to connect with the narratives of bravery and service from their own borough. It fosters a sense of local pride and ensures that the sacrifices of previous generations are not forgotten. This aspect makes it highly suitable for educational visits for children, or simply for adults seeking a moment of patriotic reflection.

Secondly, despite its compact size, the plaza acts as a valuable urban green space. Located at a busy intersection, it offers a visual break from the concrete and traffic, providing a small patch of greenery that contributes to the aesthetic appeal and environmental quality of the area. In a densely populated city, every green space, no matter how small, is important for enhancing livability and providing moments of visual tranquility. For locals, it’s a familiar, pleasant landmark that they pass regularly, making their daily commutes or errands slightly more enjoyable. It signifies a commitment to maintaining beauty and dignity even in highly functional urban environments.

Finally, its accessibility and public nature make it a convenient spot for brief moments of respite. It's not a destination that requires extensive planning; rather, it's a place where one can pause during a walk, sit for a few minutes, or simply observe the monument. This ease of access ensures that its commemorative purpose remains active and integrated into the daily lives of those in the vicinity. For community groups, it also serves as a fitting and respected venue for small, localized memorial gatherings or quiet tributes, reinforcing community bonds and shared values.

In conclusion, Michael J. Leonard Memorial Plaza is more than just a monument; it is an enduring symbol of Staten Island's heritage and its respect for those who served. Its suitability for locals lies in its power to evoke remembrance, provide a touch of urban green, and serve as a quietly dignified point of civic pride in the heart of the community.

Michael J. Leonard Memorial Plaza

Clove Blvd &, Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA