“Lost in time?” a child’s voice echoed near the swings. No, not lost, but found. Found right here at Frank M. Charles Memorial Park in Howard Beach, Queens. This 20-acre park, bordering the serene Jamaica Bay, offers more than just swings and slides. It’s a place where history whispers on the salty breeze, a place named for a local hero. Frank Charles, a Howard Beach boy drafted into World War I, made the ultimate sacrifice, falling in France in 1918. Years later, in 1940, this park, once part of William Howard’s Park, was renamed in his honor. Frank M. Charles Memorial Park became a testament to his bravery, a living memorial to a life cut short. The park became part of Gateway National Recreation Area in 1972, a partnership between the National Park Service and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. Today, Frank M. Charles Memorial Park offers a blend of recreation and remembrance. Five tennis courts await a spirited match, a basketball court beckons, and two sports fields stand ready for games. A permit is required for field use, a small price to pay for organized fun. A children’s playground rings with laughter, a paved half-mile path invites skaters and strollers, and benches offer a quiet respite overlooking Jamaica Bay. The beach, though not for swimming, provides a tranquil spot for contemplation. Fishing enthusiasts will find ample space to cast their lines along the shore, one of the few spots in Jamaica Bay where no special fishing license is required from the National Park Service. Remember to enroll in the New York Recreational Marine Fishing Registry if you’re 16 or older. Scattered picnic tables near the beach offer breathtaking views of Jamaica Bay, a perfect spot for a family lunch. For larger gatherings, Fort Tilden offers reservable picnic areas. At the south end of Frank M. Charles Memorial Park, a memorial stands in solemn tribute to the Howard Beach residents who died in American wars. Here, alongside markers for those lost in Korea and other conflicts, stands a marker specifically honoring Frank Charles, ensuring his sacrifice will never be forgotten. From 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., year-round, Frank M. Charles Memorial Park opens its gates, inviting all to experience its unique blend of recreation, reflection, and remembrance. Come, walk the paths, listen to the whispers of history, and honor the memory of a local hero.
Gould Family Mausoleum
Ever heard of a “Robber Baron?” Here at Woodlawn Cemetery stands the Gould Family Mausoleum. It is a testament to