Brooklyn · Neighborhood guide
Mapleton-Midwood
Ocean Parkway's landscaped malls, Washington Cemetery and Mapleton Library's corner building show different uses of land in Mapleton and western Midwood. Explore the boulevard's design, recognize the library exterior and use burial-society records to begin family-history research.
Understanding Mapleton-Midwood
Ocean Parkway reflects Olmsted and Vaux’s plan for a landscaped connection between Prospect Park and the ocean. Its central roads, side roads and malls extend through several neighborhoods. That long scenic landmark is a useful orientation feature, not the boundary of Mapleton or western Midwood.
Mapleton Library spent two decades in smaller premises before moving to 17th Avenue and 60th Street in 1955. Its institutional history places Washington Cemetery and Gravesend Park within the neighborhood’s local context, alongside several communities whose histories extend beyond the branch itself.
Washington Cemetery's burial societies connect this landscape with communities abroad. JewishGen's own contributed records identify a First Yedinitzer Association section linked to Edinet, now in Moldova, and a Warschauer Sick Support Society section linked to Warsaw. Their photographs and records offer a specific starting point for family-history research.
Places to explore
Ocean Parkway malls
Western Midwood portion of the parkwayThe tree-lined malls and side roads distinguish the boulevard from an ordinary avenue.
Washington Cemetery: family-history records
5400 Bay Parkway at McDonald AvenueUse the burial registry to identify the relevant society and section before planning a remembrance or research visit. The cemetery has separate sections, so its address alone is not a checked gate or route.
Mapleton Library exterior
1702 60th StreetUse the dated exterior photograph to recognize the corner building. Infrastructure renovation includes a planned garden, which is not yet an available visitor amenity.
Planning a visit
BPL lists D/N subway connections and B8/B9/B11 buses for Mapleton Library. Check current service to the selected address.
Confirm the cemetery's gate hours and physical access directly. For Ocean Parkway, choose a particular intersection and follow current crossing signs; an accessible route joining the selections has not been checked.
Visitor update
BPL currently expects Mapleton Library to reopen in spring 2027. This is an estimate; confirm with the operator.
Sources and visitor information
- Ocean Parkway scenic landmark designationNYC Landmarks Preservation Commission
- Washington Cemetery: First Yedinitzer Association recordsJewishGen Online Worldwide Burial Registry
- Washington Cemetery: Warschauer Sick Support Society recordsJewishGen Online Worldwide Burial Registry
- Mapleton Library: visitor informationBrooklyn Public Library
- Mapleton Library: branch and community contextBrooklyn Public Library
- 2020 Neighborhood Tabulation Areas (NTAs), NYC Open Data 26BNYC Department of City Planning / NYC Open Data