Forest Park

The Daily Plant : Thursday, December 27, 2007

Forest Park Is December’s Park Of The Month

Photo by Daniel Avila

Covering five different communities of Queens, the 543-acre Forest Park sits atop an ancient glacial ridge overlooking Jamaica Bay’s southern plains and is the borough’s third largest park. Most importantly, Forest Park is a vivid representation of its diverse surrounding neighborhood.

“With its many nature trails, athletic facilities, events and more, Forest Park is an example of the ideal park,” said Commissioner Benepe. “It's a beautiful wooded space filled with a little bit of everything and plenty to keep New Yorkers of all ages busy and connected to nature. In these winter months, I suggest everyone take a walk along one of the trails that weave through the towering oak trees—it’s a little piece of country in the city.”

For the young (or young at heart), seven playgrounds are scattered throughout the park, nearly all of which are named after a local resident who strived to better his or her community. Families can also enjoy a ride on one of the 49 horses, a lion, a tiger, a deer or two chariots of the beautiful 1890’s carousel. It is the only remaining carousel designed and produced by master carver Daniel C. Muller. Be sure to visit the Visitor Center for a park map and information on upcoming events—the Seuffert Bandshell and Oak Ridge Community Center host numerous children’s and cultural programs, concerts and exhibits.

Sports enthusiasts should head to the west side of the park where they can take advantage of the park’s 110-acre golf course, five ballfields, handball, basketball and tennis courts. Victory Field boasts a newly renovated track and multi-use field, which opened last spring, and the very first wheelchair football field in New York State. The park’s skate park is also being renovated and will open next spring with all-new ramps and paving.

Nature aficionados will undoubtedly be pleased to visit Forest Park. For the plant lover, the park is a hotbed of many gorgeous flowers and trees. And for those who simply want to enjoy a scenic stroll or a quiet picnic, Strack Pond, Pine Grove and Jackson Pond are great spots to relax and spot wildlife. And on the serene eastern side of the park, don’t miss the park’s namesake—a 170-acre forest and its three marked hiking trails and equestrian path. Now that winter has set in for the long haul, Forest Park’s forest is the perfect setting to escape into a winter wonderland.

Forest Park is as rich in history as it is in variety. Its heavily wooded forest provided an effective shroud for American riflemen during the Battle of Long Island, the bloodiest battle of the Revolutionary War. Monuments pepper the park in honor of important historical events and people.

Park of the Month introduces some of our greatest parks and green spaces to curious New Yorkers and visitors. Visit www.nyc.gov/parks for photos of Forest Park and an archive of featured parks.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

“Promises made to yourself are often like the Japanese plum tree –
they bear no fruit.”

Francis Marion
(1732 – 1795)

Know Before You Go

Forest Park Visitor Center