Did Walt Whitman ever imagine a park named after him, right here in Brooklyn? Walt Whitman Park is more than just green space. It’s a living tribute to the “Bard of Brooklyn,” the man who immortalized the city’s pulse in his poetry. This nearly three-acre rectangle of grass, trees, and winding paths is nestled next to Cadman Plaza East. It’s a peaceful escape from the bustling city, a place to reflect on Whitman’s legacy. The park opened in 1955, marking the centennial of “Leaves of Grass.” It stands just blocks from the former site of the Rome Brothers Print Shop, the very place where the first edition of that groundbreaking work was printed. Whitman, a journalist and editor, spent much of his life in Brooklyn and Manhattan. He considered Brooklyn his home. His famous “Calamus” poems, celebrating love between men, cemented his status as a literary icon. The park isn’t just a memorial. It’s a playground, featuring a fountain where children splash and play, their laughter echoing Whitman’s celebration of life and joy. This park offers a quiet respite, a place to connect with nature and Whitman’s enduring spirit. It’s a fitting tribute to the poet who captured the essence of Brooklyn, reminding us of the beauty in the everyday.
Gould Family Mausoleum
Ever heard of a “Robber Baron?” Here at Woodlawn Cemetery stands the Gould Family Mausoleum. It is a testament to