Forest Park Shop

Forest Park, situated at Forest Park Drive in Woodhaven, NY 11421, is one of Queens' most significant and beloved public green spaces. Encompassing over 500 acres, it is the third-largest park in the borough and stands as a vital "Scenic Spot" that offers an extraordinary diversity of environments and recreational opportunities to local users and visitors. From its ancient glacial topography to its modern athletic facilities, Forest Park is a comprehensive urban oasis designed to cater to a wide array of interests and activities.

The environment of Forest Park is remarkably varied, offering a striking contrast to the surrounding urban landscape. Its eastern portion is characterized by a unique "knob and kettle" terrain, a series of small hills and depressions left behind by glaciers, making it an "agrarian delight." This section boasts 165 acres of natural woodlands, including the largest continuous oak forest in Queens, with some trees over 150 years old. Visitors can immerse themselves in this tranquil setting, exploring extensive hiking trails and bridle paths that wind through the natural areas. The park's varied topography includes ridges that offer open vistas, providing views over the flatlands extending towards Jamaica Bay, where on clear days, the scent of the saltmarsh can waft through the oak and hickory forest. Beyond the dense woodlands, the park also features meadows and managed lawns, offering open spaces for relaxation and play. The presence of diverse wildlife, including hawks, pheasants, and over 100 species of migrating birds, underscores its ecological importance and provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching. The western portion of the park transitions into a more developed area dedicated to sports and community activities, providing a blend of natural beauty and active recreational spaces.

Forest Park offers an extensive range of services and facilities, ensuring there's something for everyone. For outdoor enthusiasts, the park provides numerous hiking trails, including color-coded paths like the Red Trail (½ mile), Yellow Trail (1½ miles), and Blue Trail (1¾ miles), which guide visitors through different sections of the forest. Horseback riding is a unique offering, with bridle paths available, and horses can be hired from a private stable nearby for a different perspective of the park. Sports enthusiasts will find a comprehensive "athlete's playground" in the western part of the park, featuring baseball fields, softball fields, tennis courts, bocce courts, handball courts, and football fields. The park is also home to an impressive 110-acre, par 67 golf course, modeled after Scottish links, maintaining its reputation as one of the city's most challenging courses. For families, there are seven playgrounds scattered throughout the park, including the nautical-themed Dry Harbor Playground and Jackson Pond Playground with its gardens. Two dog runs are available, with designated areas for small dogs, allowing canine companions to play off-leash. Barbecuing areas with grills and picnic tables are provided for outdoor gatherings. Other amenities include public restrooms, fitness equipment, a skate park, spray showers, and Wi-Fi hot spots.

The notable features of Forest Park extend beyond its recreational offerings. Culturally, the George Seuffert, Sr. Bandshell, capable of accommodating 2,800 people, is a prominent feature that hosts free concerts throughout the warm season, enriching the community's cultural landscape. Historically, the park contains structures like the Overlook, the administration building for NYC Parks' properties in Queens, and Oak Ridge, formerly a golf course clubhouse. The Forest Park Carousel, located at Woodhaven Blvd. and Myrtle Ave., is a significant historical and artistic feature; it's one of only two surviving carousels made by master carver Daniel C. Muller, featuring 52 hand-carved, individually painted figures, and is open seasonally for rides and private rentals for events like birthday parties. The Forest Park Greenhouse, one of three operated by NYC Parks, cultivates tens of thousands of plants annually for various flowerbeds across Queens and Brooklyn, though it is generally closed to the public except for annual tours. The park's "Forever Wild" areas preserve its continuous oak forest, home to diverse wildlife. Ongoing capital projects, such as the reconstruction of dog runs, greenhouse, overlook building roof, and various paths and sidewalks, demonstrate a continuous investment in maintaining and improving the park's infrastructure and amenities for public enjoyment.

Promotional information for Forest Park often emphasizes its status as a flagship park in Queens, offering diverse experiences for all ages. NYC Parks regularly highlights the park's extensive facilities for sports, nature exploration, and family recreation. Promotional materials would showcase the beautiful natural settings, particularly the hiking and bridle paths, appealing to those seeking an escape into nature within the city. The golf course is a significant draw, promoted for its challenging design and scenic views. The George Seuffert Sr. Bandshell's concert schedule is a key promotional element during the summer months, inviting community members to free outdoor performances. The historic Forest Park Carousel is often featured in promotions for family-friendly activities and events. NYC Parks' Urban Park Rangers regularly lead events such as nature walks and educational programs introducing visitors to the park's geology, forestry, and animals, which are actively promoted to engage the public with the park's natural features. Community events like the Halloween Walk, Victorian Christmas, and Nature Trails Day are also advertised to draw participation from surrounding neighborhoods. The park's accessibility via various transit options, though not directly by subway, is highlighted for different entry points. Overall, Forest Park is promoted as a dynamic and vital "Scenic Spot" that offers an unparalleled combination of natural beauty, active recreation, and cultural events, making it a cornerstone of Queens' outdoor life.

Forest Park Shop

Forest Park Dr, Woodhaven, NY 11421, USA