Libra Triangle facts for kids

Libra Triangle in November 2019.

Libra Triangle is a small public green space in Elmhurst, a neighborhood in Queens, New York. It's located where Broadway and Justice Avenue meet. This little park might seem small, but it has a big history! Before Queens became part of New York City in 1898, Elmhurst was a town called Newtown. The Libra Triangle area was once the very center of Newtown's local government.

What is Libra Triangle?

Libra Triangle is a small, triangular park. It's a peaceful spot where people can relax. Even though it's tiny, it's an important part of the neighborhood. It helps make the busy streets a bit greener.

A Place with History

This small piece of land has been important for a long time. In 1803, the Newtown Town Hall was built here. A town hall is like a main office for a town's government. It's where leaders make decisions and where people go for official business. Later, in 1849, the building was made bigger to include a courthouse. A courthouse is where legal cases are heard.

From Town Hall to Park

After Newtown became part of New York City and was renamed Elmhurst, the old town hall building continued to be used. It served as a city courthouse and even a police station. The police station stayed there until 1940, when a new building was ready for the police.

The old Newtown Town Hall building was eventually taken down in 1966. After that, Justice Avenue was made wider. This widening created the traffic triangle we see today. This new triangle became the park known as Libra Triangle.

How Did It Get Its Name?

The park got its name, Libra Triangle, from Commissioner Henry J. Stern. He was a city official who helped manage parks. He chose the name to remember the area's history. The name "Libra" is also a clever play on words, or a "pun," because the park is on Justice Avenue. Libra is often a symbol of justice and balance.