Twelve million dollars. That’s how much it cost to rebuild Sgt William Dougherty Playground. A massive renovation for a small park. But this isn’t just any playground.
Sgt William Dougherty Playground sits nestled against the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. It’s a somewhat incongruous setting. A vibrant green space next to a roaring highway. The park honors Sergeant William Dougherty a World War II veteran. He was a Greenpoint resident. He died in the Battle of Saipan. He received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. The playground was named for him in 1948.
The original park was small. It was rundown. A portion of it was even taken for the Kosciuszko Bridge project. The state purchased a nearby warehouse. They demolished it. This expanded the playground significantly. Now the park occupies an entire block.
The new Sgt William Dougherty Playground is beautiful. There’s a brand new playground for children. There is also a splash pad. There are basketball and handball courts. There’s even a skate park. A comfort station provides restrooms. It’s a state-of-the-art facility. It offers something for everyone. It’s a stark contrast to the noisy industrial area that surrounds it. The hum of the BQE is ever-present. The air is not the cleanest. Yet somehow the playground thrives.
But the location remains controversial. Some consider it a waste of resources. They argue the park is in an unsuitable location. They believe the funds could have been better spent elsewhere. Others disagree. They point to the park’s significance. It’s a tribute to a local hero. It’s a valuable community asset. It provides a much-needed green space in a densely populated area. It gives children a safe place to play.
The park is a testament to resilience. It represents the ongoing efforts to honor Sergeant Dougherty’s sacrifice. It’s a symbol of hope and renewal. It is a place where the past and the present intertwine. It’s a place where kids can laugh and play. It’s a beautiful oasis in the middle of a busy urban landscape. It is a worthy tribute. A reminder of the enduring legacy of Sgt William Dougherty. A legacy carried on in the laughter of children.