Idlewild Park, one of the largest remaining saltwater marshes in Queens, has been named March’s “Park of the Month” by the City of New York Department of Parks & Recreation.
The park’s 160 acres give visitors a unique window to one of the city’s many aquatic habitats while also playing a vital role in the water system, say Parks Department officials. With kayaking and canoe season beginning April 1, outdoor enthusiasts can also take to the water.
“Idlewild Park is one of the many natural areas we restored to re-establish the public’s connection to the water,” said Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe. “Idlewild Park’s kayak launch and the NYC Water Trail allow New Yorkers to explore the city from a different angle. With access to Jamaica Bay, as well as to the wetlands and surrounding areas that so many different animals call home, Idlewild Park is a great way to see and learn about the city’s natural history.”
Officials say the waters along the Idlewild Park Preserve act as a natural filtration system for Queens’ groundwater, preventing any contaminants from entering Jamaica Bay. This not only improves the water quality of the area, but also helps to keep the ocean from flooding the southern half of Queens and parts of Brooklyn. Salt marshes also help reduce water erosion.
Idlewild Park is a gateway into Jamaica Bay and the water provides a view of surrounding habitats, including freshwater and tidal wetlands, in addition to also the tributaries of Hook Creek. The bay is home to many different kinds of birds and marine life, including egrets, ibis and herons, which make up 25 percent of the northeast Atlantic population.
Park of the Month introduces some of the greatest parks and green spaces to curious New Yorkers and visitors.
To pick up a kayak and canoe permit or learn more about parks, visit www.nyc.gov/parks.
