Woodtree Playground

20 Ave. bet. 37 St. and 38 St.

Queens

This text is part of Parks’ Historical Signs Project and can be found posted within the park.

Woodtree Playground is so named for the prominent willow oak (Quercus phellos) trees in the playground. A popular tree for parks and streets, the willow oak is one of the more durable trees. Although it flourishes in a wetter climate, the willow oak adapts to widely varying conditions. The trees narrow leaves create a comfortable shade, and are among the last to fall during the autumn.

Woodtree Playground is one of many New York parks built under the supervision of Robert Moses (1888-1981), a New York City Parks commissioner and a legendary figure in New York City politics. Moses, who served as Commissioner from 1934 to 1960, supervised the construction of 255 New York City playgrounds. Prior to 1934, the only parklands serving the Steinway neighborhood were Astoria Park and Rainey Park. This site was acquired by condemnation on April 27, 1950, and placed under Parks jurisdiction on August 23, 1950.