Tucked away in Queens, Hillside Park whispers tales of a man whose life was cut short, yet whose legacy continues to bloom. Hillside Park wasn’t always its name. Originally, it was simply known as “Hillside Park”, acquired by the city in 1928. The park’s current name honors Major W. Arthur Cunningham, a World War I veteran and New York City controller. He served in the 165th Infantry and later dedicated his life to public service. As city controller, he bravely exposed the city’s financial struggles, insisting on collecting delinquent property taxes.
Tragically, Cunningham died of a heart attack at the young age of 39. His untimely death, potentially brought on by the stress of his work, moved Queens Borough President George U. Harvey to propose renaming Hillside Park in his honor. In 1935, the Board of Aldermen agreed, solidifying Cunningham’s place in the city’s history. A year later, a flagpole memorial with an inscribed stone base was dedicated in the park. Cunningham’s young son, just seven years old, unveiled the plaque at the ceremony.
In 1942, a more elaborate granite and bronze memorial, sculpted by Emil Siebern, was installed next to the flagpole, further commemorating Cunningham’s contributions. The park continued to grow. In 1940, the city purchased land to connect parts of Francis Lewis Boulevard and expand Hillside Park, ensuring its accessibility and growth. Today, Hillside Park thrives as a vibrant green space. It offers visitors a place to relax, enjoy nature, and perhaps reflect on the life of Major Cunningham, the man who gave the park its name. He may be gone, but his memory, like the park itself, continues to flourish.