Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park

Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park is a park in the hamlet Oyster Bay, New York, honoring President Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States.

History and Background

A non-partisan "Roosevelt Permanent Memorial National Committee" was formed on January 10, 1919, just days after Roosevelt's death on January 6. The committee met again in New York City on March 24, 1919, and founded the Roosevelt Memorial Association, which was incorporated by Act of Congress, May 31, 1920, "to perpetuate the memory of Theodore Roosevelt for the benefit of the people of the United States of America and the world." [For full account on formation of the Theodore Roosevelt Association, see The Theodore Roosevelt Web Book, Theodore Roosevelt Association, John A. Gable, July 4, 2000]

The RMA had written into its charter three primary goals: to establish a "monumental memorial" to TR in the nation's capital, Washington, D.C.; to develop a public park in Oyster Bay, New York; and to raise funds for and maintain an association "to promote the development and application of the policies and ideals of Theodore Roosevelt for the benefit of the American people."

The second goal to form a public park in Oyster bay helped to bring about a merger of a local Long Island group that was formed to honor Roosevelt with the national association.

The park was opened in 1928, and later, in 1942, donated to the Town of Oyster Bay.

Park Layout and Configuration

The park was originally designed along an east and west, and a north and south axis. The west side of the park became used for physical activities and presently contains tennis courts, a softball field, children's play area, and large parking lot.

The east side consists of radiating pathways in a geometric pattern leading from the park entrance on Railroad Ave northwards to the water where a large flagpole stands in a plaza area. This and the area immediately to the west is known as Zone "B" - designated for memorial purposes and quiet recreational activities.

Among the memorials present are a stone with plaque honoring TR at the park entrance, a Theodore Roosevelt Monument Assemblage with stones and artifacts drawn from important times of Roosevelt's life and highlighting his service to New York City, the State of New York, the United States, and the world. A fountain is adjacent to the Theodore Roosvelt Monument Assemblage with water flowing in two directions from a central raised rectangular scultural section.

Just east of these two memorials is a marina. A parking lot and picnic area with several pavillions is located immediately south of the marina and north of the railroad tracks nearby.

External links

* [http://members.aol.com/obhistory/ Oyster Bay Historical Society]
* [http://www.oysterbaymainstreet.org/ Oyster Bay Main Street Association]
* [http://www.theodoreroosevelt.org/ Theodore Roosevelt Association]
* [http://www.newsday.com/community/guide/lihistory/ny-historytown-hist003h,0,6524226.story "Newsday" article on Oyster Bay hamlet]
* [http://www.newsday.com/community/guide/lihistory/ny-historytown-tobay,0,6691062.story "Newsday" article on Town of Oyster Bay]
* [http://www.antonnews.com/oysterbayenterprisepilot/ Enterprise Pilot - Local Oyster Bay Newspaper]