Ascenzi Square facts for kids
Ascenzi Square is a small park located in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City. It sits where different streets come together, especially near Metropolitan Avenue. This special spot is a quiet green space in the busy city.
Ascenzi Square: A Special Place in Brooklyn
Ascenzi Square is more than just a park; it's a place with a meaningful history. It was named to remember two brave brothers from Williamsburg.
Honoring Heroes: The Ascenzi Brothers
On March 29, 1939, the New York City Council officially named this area Ascenzi Square. This was done to honor Joseph and William Ascenzi. These brothers lived in Williamsburg and sadly lost their lives while serving in the First World War.
Before the square was named, a local group called the American Legion Post 1204 had already renamed their own post the "Ascenzi Post" in honor of the brothers. In 1938, this group asked the City Council to rename the public space, too. This way, the community could always remember the Ascenzi brothers and their sacrifice.
Greenstreets: Turning Spaces into Parks
Around the year 2000, the two small areas that make up Ascenzi Square became part of a program called Greenstreets. Greenstreets is a special project that works to make New York City greener.
It's a partnership between the New York City Parks Department and the city's Department of Transportation. Their goal is to turn unused spaces, like small traffic triangles or medians (the strips of land in the middle of roads), into beautiful green parks. Ascenzi Square is a great example of how these unused spaces can become peaceful spots for everyone to enjoy.
