A swing set creaks gently in the breeze. Welcome to Patrol Officer William T Gunn Junior Park. This isn’t just any playground. It’s a place of quiet remembrance a tribute to a brave officer.
Patrol Officer William T Gunn Junior Park honors Detective William T Gunn. He served the NYPD for ten years. He was tragically shot in 1989. He died in 1992. This park stands as a lasting memorial to his sacrifice.
Detective Gunn wasn’t just a police officer. He was a Bellerose native. He attended PS 18. As a boy he played on this very ground. His mother Marie remembers him fondly. She recalls his love for the swings. Now she sees children playing. She sees her son Billy again. The park brings her joy but also deep sorrow.
The park itself is a lovely space. It boasts swings jungle gyms handball and basketball courts. There’s even a fitness area. It covers 2.7 acres. This revitalization cost $650000. Former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani and former City Councilman Sheldon Leffler secured the funds. The park was reopened in a warm spring day. Many attended the ceremony including fellow officers and family. It was a day of celebration and remembrance.
More than just a playground Patrol Officer William T Gunn Junior Park is a community hub. It’s a testament to the life of a dedicated officer. It’s a place for children to play and for the community to gather. Most importantly it’s a reminder of the sacrifices made to keep our city safe. It’s a place where the memory of Detective William T Gunn lives on. His legacy is etched not in stone but in the laughter and joy of the children who play here. The swings still creak the same way they did when he was a boy. Let’s take a moment to appreciate this peaceful tribute in Patrol Officer William T Gunn Junior Park.