Fraser Square

Parks Cuts Ribbon On Fraser Square Restoration

Commissioner Adrian Benepe today joined City Council Member Lewis Fidler, State Assembly Member Helene Weinstein, Community Board 18 Chair Saul Needle, Fraser Civic Association First Vice President Tom Hernandez, members of the Kings County American Legion Color Guard and children from the Highway Nursery School to cut the ribbon on $740,000 in improvements to Fraser Square in Brooklyn.

“The transformation of Fraser Square – from barren traffic circle to lush garden oasis – is now complete,” said Commissioner Benepe. "The new sitting area and green space with a wide variety of trees, shrubs and perennials provide an urban retreat right next to the bustling activity of Kings Highway. I am grateful to Council Member Fidler, Assembly Member Weinstein and Mayor Bloomberg for funding these important improvements.”

“I am glad to have been able to get funds to make this formerly blighted area a beautiful site today,” said Council Member Fidler. “I hope that it will be enjoyed by this community for years to come. I want to thank Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein, Mayor Bloomberg and the Parks Department for their assistance and support in getting this project done.”

“I am thrilled to have been able to help fund the long overdue renovation of Fraser Square,” said Assembly Member Weinstein. “This park will now provide much needed green space for community residents.”

Thanks to funding allocations of $363,000 from Council Member Fidler, $190,000 from Assembly Member Weinstein, and $187,000 from Mayor Bloomberg, Fraser Square was transformed from a traffic circle into a lush garden.

Parks Landscape Architect Wim DeRonde worked with the community to design an improved urban space for repose and small gatherings. Improved sidewalks and pathways lead to a circular plaza area with decorative pavers and a flagpole. New benches, lighting, and a drinking fountain have been added, along with a wide variety of perennials, shrubs, and trees.

Fraser Square was acquired by the City of New York in 1922. It was transferred to the Parks Department in 1938. In 1941, it was named after John Justin Fraser, a World War I veteran, New York City police officer and Marine Park resident, who was killed in 1934. Officer Fraser was the victim of gunshots during the robbery of a millinery shop on Flatbush Avenue. Although wounded, Officer Fraser subdued the bandits, who were apprehended and charged with murder. The square was named after Officer Fraser by a resolution of the City Council.