January’s Park of the Month

A secluded park in Whitestone, Francis Lewis Park, named to honor Whitestone resident and Declaration of Independence signer Francis Lewis, has been named January’s Park of the Month
“Francis Lewis Park is an idyllic neighborhood park that offers picturesque views of the East River and the Whitestone Bridge,” Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe said. “Although his home in Whitestone was burned by the British in 1776, the legacy of this patriotic merchant lives on in Francis Lewis Park.”
The park received a $466,000 upgrade in 1992 which reconstructed the shoreline, overlook, and embankment areas that had been degraded by severe erosion. That project also included measures to prevent future degradation, improve views of the river and added new park benches and game tables. Claire Shulman, Queens Borough President in 1992, procured an extra $23,000 which went towards the costs of a bocce court.
The Parks Department acquired the 9.2 acres of land and 7.6 acres below water in 1937 from the private estate of Edwin H. Brown. Sheltered beneath the Whitestone Bridge, this little known neighborhood park bordered by 3rd Avenue, 147th Street, the East River, and Parsons Boulevard, may be one of Queens’ best kept secrets.
The park has winding paths that lead to scenic overlooks with spectacular views of the Whitestone Bridge and the East River, and has become a popular spot for wedding photos, sunbathing, and water watching. The Park also boasts a playground, a spray shower, four handball courts, two half basketball courts, and a comfort station.