NYC Parks Queens Borough Commissioner Jacqueline Langsam was joined by FDNY Chief of Department Jonathan Esposito, the FDNY Ceremonial Guard, members of the Davidson family, and community members for a ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Lt. Michael R. Davidson Playground.
Photo courtesy of NYC Parks / Hannah Mrakovcic
A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the official opening of the new Lt. Michael R. Davidson Playground in Sunnyside on Thursday, June 18.
The $5.1 million project, which was funded by the City Council and the Mayor’s Office, turned the once privately-owned Phipps Playground into a public park. It commemorates Davidson, a Sunnyside native and firefighter who gave his life in the line of duty battling a five-alarm fire in Harlem in 2018.
In attendance for the ceremony were NYC Parks Queens Borough Commissioner Jacqueline Langsam, FDNY Chief of Department Jonathan Esposito, the FDNY Ceremonial Guard, members of the Davidson family, and residents of the Sunnyside community.
“It is especially meaningful that this playground will bear Lieutenant Davidson’s name,” said Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore. “It is a tribute to his service and sacrifice, and the community that helped shape him.”
The fully renovated playground provides firefighter-themed play equipment, a restored historic pavilion, and a commemorative flagpole.Photo courtesy of NYC Parks / Hannah Mrakovcic
Beyond carrying his name, the park pays tribute to Davidson by featuring firefighter-themed play equipment, a restored historic pavilion, and a commemorative flagpole that welcomes visitors entering through the expanded entrance. The fully renovated playground also provides updated equipment suitable for children of all ages, and public restrooms have been added inside the existing historic shed.
Growing up, Davidson spent countless hours in the playground, a detail attendees highlighted as they expressed optimism that the park will serve as a lasting tribute for future generations.
“It is a profound honor to open this playground in memory of Lt. Michael R. Davidson, a son of Sunnyside who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect his fellow New Yorkers,” Langsam said. “In the same lot where Lt. Davidson once played as a child, families will now gather, children will discover the joy of play, and his legacy will be felt for generations to come.”