Baisley Pond Park

What was here before?

Baisley Pond was created in the 18th century when local farmers dammed three streams to power their grain mill.

How did this site become a park?

The City acquired this site in several parcels between 1856 and 1861. In 1914, the City transferred the northern half of the property to Parks and the site opened to the public in 1919. The southern portion remained undeveloped until it was added to the park in 1961.

In 2001, this garden was renovated and dedicated to Laura “Mother” Carter (1914-1999), a Jamaica community leader. The one-acre garden surrounding a gazebo and seating area gives park visitors a peaceful resting area to enjoy the beauty of Baisley Pond. Several dozen trees, shrubs, and perennial plants maintain four seasons of color. Species include crab apple, evergreen, eastern redbud, and serviceberry trees, as well as azaleas and hydrangeas.

Who is this garden named for?

Laura “Mother” Carter (1914-1999) was a champion of rights for women and children, a devoted church member, and community activist in Jamaica, Queens. Carter was born in Hawkinsville, Georgia. She received formal education in local public schools and became involved with the Baptist church at an early age. After marrying Willie Carter in Miami, Florida in 1940, she and her husband relocated to this neighborhood in the late 1940s. Mother Carter joined the nearby Rush Temple AME Zion Church in 1970, where she served as a deaconess, missionary, food pantry and hotline worker, and life member of the Women’s Home and Missionary Society.

Mother Carter was active in bettering the park and the surrounding neighborhood. She adopted the area around this garden, encouraging local children to volunteer and planning events throughout the year to bring locals to this sprawling greenspace. She also founded “Adults and Youth for a Better Baisley Park” and planted the first Christmas tree on the property. Diminutive in stature but great in personality and political savvy, she tirelessly advocated to local elected officials on behalf of the park and community. An angel weathervane atop the garden’s gazebo was installed as a lasting tribute to a woman who many considered to be an “angel” in Jamaica, Queens.