Judge Moses Weinstein Playground

This large triangle was acquired by NYC Parks in 1948 in response to local need for open space and recreational facilities. Residential construction increased following the Second World War, ushered in by the growth and expansion of roadways new and old, resulting in many homes but few parks and schools. When the park was first opened in 1951, it included a sand pit, a public restroom, benches, water fountains, playground equipment, and plantings.

Judge Moses Weinstein Playground takes its name from a respected legislator, jurist, and civic leader who resided in Kew Gardens Hills for nearly a half century. Weinstein was born on the Lower East Side in 1912 and received his education at Brooklyn College and Brooklyn Law School. During the Second World War, he fought in the Battle of the Bulge, a last-ditch effort by the Nazi forces to delay an allied invasion of Germany.

After the war, Weinstein settled in Kew Gardens Hills, taking an active role in the Kew Gardens Hills Civic Association and the Democratic Party. He first ran for State Assembly in 1958, winning the first of his six terms at the seat. During his time as a lawmaker, Weinstein rose in stature to become the Assembly Majority Leader and Chair of the Queens County Democratic Organization. Weinstein stood out from his colleagues through progressive legislation including the Crime Victims’ Compensation Board, consumer bill of rights, and financial aid for air-pollution controls.

In 1969, Weinstein was elected as a Queens State Supreme Court justice and advanced to the Appellate Court, where he presided until his retirement in 1989. As a judge, Weinstein ruled on cases that determined due process and constitutionality in public school financing.

Formerly called Vleigh Place Playground, the site was renamed in 2008 by Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe on the first anniversary of Weinstein’s death. In 2016, the park received new paving and safety surfacing, and the court, surrounding fence, and rails were updated. Today the park includes an array of recreational facilities and large playing fields for the pleasure of the surrounding community of Kew Gardens Hills.