Looking for a park to relax in? Look no further. Alley Pond Park was recently named June’s Park of the Month.
As the second largest park in Queens, Alley Pond Park encompasses 654 acres and boasts some of the largest tulip trees, beeches and oaks in the city. It is also rich in history.
“Alley Pond Park is a special place that demonstrates New York history in more ways than one,” said Commissioner Adrian Benepe. “Its unique geography and many ecosystems have been preserved for generations. New Yorkers can today enjoy this land just as people have for centuries – including George Washington and Mattinecock Native Americans.”
The park lies on a glacial moraine that formed approximately 15,000 years ago, marking the terminus of the Minnesota Ice Sheet. It was acquired by the city 83 years ago, during the tenure of Mayor James J. Walker.
The origin of the park’s name has come under debate. It was named after The Alley, an 18th century commercial and manufacturing center that was located in the area. Some, however, say that the site was named for the shape of the glacier-made valley. Others claim that the name was given by colonial travelers who crossed Brooklyn to the Manhattan ferries.
Regardless, Alley Pond Park remains an iconic landscape. The site contains several “Kettle Ponds” and freshwater wetlands. It hosts various tidal flats, meadows and forests as well.
Queens residents can enjoy themselves at the park’s various playgrounds, barbeque areas, courts and fields. The park also offers the Alley Pond Park Adventure course, a free outdoor education program that encourages its participants to learn teambuilding and problem-solving skills.
“Alley Pond Park juxtaposes the past with the present, as its Adventure Course meets the needs of park users of the 21st century,” said Benepe.
For more information on Alley Pond Park, visit www.nyc.gov/parks.
