Alley Pond Park

NYC PARKS & ALLEY POND ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER HOLDS RIBBON-CUTTING EVENT TO LAUNCH NEW FACILITY ON WILDLIFE CONSERVATION DAY

Today, NYC Parks and The Alley Pond Environmental Center (APEC) held a grand opening ribbon-cutting celebration to welcome visitors to its new $28 million building, marking a significant milestone in the organization's commitment to provide inspiring environmental education and year-round community engagement.

At the celebratory event, elected officials, community leaders, environmentalists, educators and other supporters came together to launch the LEED-certified community resource and education center. Visitors toured the building, which features new classrooms, a rainwater collection system, skylights, a geothermal heating and cooling system, and a collection of live animals.

“Today marks a pivotal moment in our journey at the Alley Pond Environmental Center as we proudly unveil our new state-of-the-art facility,” said APEC Executive Director Irene V. Scheid. “This center stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to environmental education, community empowerment, and fostering a deep connection between people and nature.”

“Today is a great day for Alley Pond Park, and a true testament to what we can accomplish together through advocacy, teamwork, and collaboration,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “The new Alley Pond Environmental Center builds on our efforts to not only invest in and strengthen our parks and greenspaces for the communities they serve, but to do so in thoughtful, eco-friendly ways. I’d like to once again thank the APEC for their continued partnership, which only serves to further enhance the lives of countless New Yorkers, and it is our hope that this new building will serve as a beacon of inspiration for the next generation of park stewards.”

Added APEC Board President Michael Agnello, “The opening of this facility is not just a milestone; it's a celebration of the boundless possibilities that lie ahead for our community. We believe that by providing a space for exploration, learning, and appreciation of the natural world, we are sowing the seeds for a future where environmental stewardship is second nature. This center is more than bricks and mortar; it's a platform for inspiration, education, and positive change.”

Since its founding in 1972, APEC has been dedicated to educating guests about the importance of wetlands and the preservation of Alley Pond Park, the second largest park in Queens, which spans 635 acres of forests, meadows, ponds, and fresh and saltwater marshes and is home to more than 300 species of birds and other wildlife. APEC serves up to 85,000 people annually, most of them school children.

For four decades, APEC was located on Northern Boulevard in a building that previously housed an outdoor furniture store abutting Alley Pond Park. The nonprofit outgrew the space and broke ground on the new facility in early 2020. Designed in collaboration with the with New Parks, APEC educators, Board members, and staff, the new building reflects APEC’s mission of education and environmental stewardship.

With its organic green brick wall and dramatic sloping roof, the new Alley Pond Environmental Center offers an innovative and immersive learning experience to more than 50,000 students a year and a new gateway to one of the most beautiful and expansive wetland ecosystems in New York City.

The building’s location – at 229-10 Northern Boulevard in Douglaston - minimizes the impact on wetlands and existing trees. Among the features of the new building:

• The ground floor is elevated to resist flooding and the faceted glazed brick wall creates a barrier to sound from noisy Northern Boulevard and, depending on the light, evokes animal scales or lichen.
• The large roof slopes to capture rainwater while creating a lofty and sheltered space toward the park-- connecting students and visitors to the adjacent forest and wetlands. The captured rainwater is used for irrigation of plantings and for flushing toilets.
• APEC’s famous animal room, traditionally the main attraction, is open to the entry lobby, where animals welcome visitors as they step inside. The room features reptiles, birds, rabbits, chinchillas and many more.
• Bright and flexible classroom spaces connect students to nature trails and extend outdoors, featuring walls that open to create a single space for events.
• Exterior instructional space includes a sheltered observation deck and stepped seating under the tree canopy.
• In addition to achieving sustainability to LEED gold standards, the building doubles as a teaching tool. Mechanical and environmental systems are exposed so educators can share the building’s sustainable features with students and visitors:
• Toilets flushed with rainwater, a geothermal system that takes energy from the ground to heat and cool the building, light-diffusing windows and skylights that provide daylighting and natural ventilation.
• Large windows in the mechanical room further display the building’s inner workings.
• Warm floors create cozy learning spaces, and diffused daylight and sound-absorbent ceilings offer a calming environment.
• In the landscape, native planting in parking lot bioswales cleans rainwater runoff and keeps it from inundating the city sewer.

As a gateway to Alley Pond Park, the new building’s dynamic form welcomes parkgoers. Upon entering the building lobby, visitors can take in a view of the forest. The entry also serves as the launching point for a network of nature trails that allow exploration of Alley Creek, Cattail Pond, and Windmill Pond.

APEC thanked the following donors for making the launch event possible: National Grid and Helms Bros. Inc., as well as Resorts World New York City, Alma Bank, Rita Sherman, Fran Filloramo, and Michael and Linda Agnello.

"The Alley Pond Environmental Center is a testament to the power of community-led solutions and building a greener future for all. EPA is proud to continue supporting the mission and work of the Alley Pond Environmental Center. We are thrilled to see their new facility open its doors," said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. "This new facility will enhance their capacity to reach more people and expand environmental education efforts.

”For more than five decades, the Alley Pond Environmental Center has been a crucial resource in Queens,” said U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens). “It has done an extraordinary job in educating the public about the importance of preserving Alley Pond Park and protecting our environment, and doing so in an engaging and hands-on way. In fact, it’s where I took my two kids when they were younger, and I was excited at how much they learned and enjoyed their programs. I’m thrilled to celebrate the opening of its new facility which will enable APEC to do an even better job in serving the many kids and adults who visit from all across our region. Congratulations to the entire APEC team! I look forward to APEC continuing to serve our communities for many years to come.”

New York State Senator John Liu stated, "At long last, the Alley Pond Environmental Center is back in action at its rightful location where it is best able to showcase the natural beauty of Alley Pond Park, Little Neck Bay, and all the creatures, critters and wildlife that lives here. There were many obstacles, including a worldwide pandemic, that slowed this reconstruction down, but it was well worth the wait, and I know our entire community is eager to see everything this new and improved environmental center has to offer."

"Alley Pond Park is one of the true gems of Northeastern Queens," said New York State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky. "APEC's mission of protecting the park and educating the community on environmental protection and preservation is critical, especially during times of climate uncertainty. I congratulate the center on this new state-of-the-art facility and wish them well as they continue their admirable work."

“The Alley Pond Environmental Center has been such a critical hub of education, conservation and sustainability for years, and I’m thrilled to see the doors of its gorgeous new building finally open to the public,” said Queens Borough President Richards, Jr. “The new, state-of-the-art facility will undoubtedly provide a great and necessary space for residents of all ages to learn more about our environment and help us conserve Alley Pond Park for many more years to come.”

“The Alley Pond Environmental Center is an important community space that advances public awareness about sustainability and preserving our natural world,” said New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. “The Council is proud to support APEC’s environmental education programs for New Yorkers of all ages through critical funding. The opening of APEC’s new facility will enhance its mission and expand environmental education in Queens, benefitting generations of residents for years to come.”

“Alley Pond Environmental Center is a true gem in my district, and I am thrilled with the new facility that will serve students and adults alike throughout New York City. From offering educational programs in schools, to innovative experiences that educate on the importance of the environment, their work is invaluable. Working with the fabulous staff and board of directors is always a pleasure,” said New York City Councilmember Vickie Paladino. “I am so excited to see the state-of-the-art facility completed, and be part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which is conveniently taking place on World Conservation Day. I’m looking forward to Alley Pond Environmental Center’s unwavering work in the community, and continuing to secure funds for educational programs and capital work. Congratulations Alley Pond Environmental Center!”

"After many years' wait, Alley Pond Environmental Center finally has a space worthy of its mission and the Queens communities it serves," said New York City Council Member Shekar Krishnan, Chair of the Committee on Parks & Recreation. "The Alley Pond Environmental Center's new facility -- LEED-certified, with geothermal heating, rainwater collection, and other advanced green features -- is proof that our City government can work with community groups to build beautiful, state of the art, public spaces. Congratulations to Alley Pond Environmental Center!"

“This new state-of-the-art building is proof of how vital Alley Pond Environmental Center’s mission to promote environmental stewardship year-round is to the borough of Queens,” said New York City Councilmember Sandra Ung. “It will allow APEC to continue to grow and expand its work to educate the community, from young to old, about the importance of preserving our borough’s natural areas for future generations. I am excited to see how this new space positively impacts the future of this amazing organization.”

“Today signifies a monumental day for environmental education of our Queens communities, as we officially cut the ribbon to launch Aley Pond Environmental Center’s new, state-of-the-art facility,” said New York City Council Member Linda Lee. “The Alley Pond Environmental Center has served as a gateway for Queens residents to discover the wonders of our natural environment and green spaces at Alley Pond Park through a variety of immersive and interactive experiences. APEC has always been a proud partner of the community and while I am sad to see them leave their temporary location in my district on Springfield Blvd., I know that this new facility will continue to help the organization engage an even wider range of parkgoers and families. Congratulations to Executive Director Irene Scheid and the entire team at APEC.”

"As we celebrate the Alley Pond Environmental Center's milestone, we commend your dedication to creating a space that will serve as a catalyst for environmental education, empowering individuals in our community," said New York City Councilmember James Gennaro. "Throughout its history, APEC has served as a valuable resource for environmental education and awareness, and this new center will usher in a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come."

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said, “The Alley Pond Environmental Center is a beacon of learning, discovery and environmental sustainability. It has inspired generations of New Yorkers to take part in conservation efforts and learn about the importance of preserving wetlands. The new facility created for APEC has been years in the making and I was proud to support this noteworthy endeavor during my tenure as Borough President. I congratulate APEC leadership on this achievement and wish them continued success.”

"We are thrilled to join hands with the Alley Pond Environmental Center in celebrating the grand opening of a haven for environmental stewardship in Queens. Our enduring partnership reflects a shared commitment to fostering sustainability and conservation within the community. Together, we aspire to inspire positive change, cultivating a greener future for generations to come,” said National Grid Queens Manager Juan M. Santiago.

“Alley Pond Environmental Center has done extraordinary work to preserve Queens’ natural landscape, promote its well-being, and educate the community,” said Michelle Stoddart, Resorts World New York City Senior Vice President of Community Development. “The newly improved center will take this mission to the next level and expand its services. Resorts World New York City is consistently committed to supporting our community partners, especially to help realize the vision of this exciting new facility.”

“Congratulations to Alley Pond Environmental Center on the unveiling of this magnificent new building!” said Kirstin Callahan Austin of The Helms Auto Group. “I am thrilled to witness the realization of a vision that embodies the cherished memories and inspiring experiences shared by our community. From childhood walks along the trails to volunteering experiences that shaped lifelong passions, Alley Pond holds a special place in my heart. May this new building serve as a beacon of knowledge, exploration, and community for years to come.”

In celebration of the new building, APEC is inviting neighbors, friends, and community members to a Community Open House and Concert on Saturday, December 9 from Noon to 4:00 PM to introduce the new building. The event will feature a performance by Boomer Brothers, a guided walk, and activities for families and youth. Limited onsite parking is available, and APEC strongly recommends that attendees carpool or take public transportation to the building, at 229-10 Northern Boulevard, Douglaston, NY 11362.

About the Alley Pond Environmental Center
The Alley Pond Environmental Center (APEC) is a gem in the natural world in northeastern Queens. APEC is situated within Alley Pond Park, where over 635 acres of forests, meadows, ponds, and fresh and saltwater marshes are home to more than 300 species of birds and other wildlife. Our center hugs the shore of Little Neck Bay. Visitors young and old can walk our wetland and forest trails, observe the animals and plants, listen to the quiet, enjoy the changing seasons, and understand our essential connection to wild nature, even in this busiest of cities. Learn more at www.alleypond.org.