Rory Staunton Field

For New Yorkers, especially those residing in the diverse and bustling borough of Queens, finding accessible, well-maintained green spaces is invaluable. Amidst the vibrant streets of Jackson Heights, Rory Staunton Field stands as a testament to community spirit and dedication to public recreation. This park, more than just a patch of green, is a significant amenity for local residents, providing essential outdoor facilities and a welcoming environment for all ages. It's a place where neighbors connect, children thrive, and active lifestyles are encouraged.

Rory Staunton Field holds a special place in the heart of Jackson Heights, not only for its recreational offerings but also for the poignant story behind its name. Named in memory of Rory Staunton, a local student known for his civic responsibility and kind heart, the field was acquired by the NYC Parks Department in 2013 from The Garden School. This transformation into public parkland significantly increased the amount of recreational space available in a densely populated neighborhood, fulfilling a crucial community need and honoring Rory's legacy of advocating for more places for his neighbors to play.

As a community resource, Rory Staunton Field is designed to cater to a wide array of interests and activities. From dedicated sports courts to inviting play areas, it serves as a central point for outdoor enjoyment and community gatherings. Whether you're an avid tennis player looking for a match, a parent seeking a safe and engaging playground for your children, or simply someone who appreciates open space for leisure, Rory Staunton Field offers something for everyone. Its clean facilities and friendly atmosphere contribute to a positive experience for all visitors, fostering a sense of belonging and well-being within the Jackson Heights community.

The strategic development of this park, often integrated with the larger Travers Park, signifies a thoughtful approach to urban planning, aiming to create seamless open spaces that enhance the quality of life for local residents. These interconnected green areas provide a continuous flow for pedestrians and a broader scope for recreational activities, further cementing their role as vital components of the neighborhood's infrastructure. In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the specifics of Rory Staunton Field, detailing its location, accessibility, the variety of services it offers, its unique features and highlights, any relevant community initiatives, and how to contact the park for further information. We will conclude by outlining why this park is an indispensable asset for locals in the New York region.

Rory Staunton Field is ideally situated in the vibrant neighborhood of Jackson Heights, Queens, New York. Its address is 78th Street &, 34th Ave, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, USA. This central location places it within easy reach for thousands of residents in one of New York City's most diverse and family-oriented communities. The park is often considered part of a larger, integrated green space that includes the adjacent Travers Park, creating a more expansive and versatile recreational area for the neighborhood.

Accessibility to Rory Staunton Field is one of its key advantages. As a public park within New York City, it is designed to be easily reachable by various modes of transportation. For those relying on public transit, Jackson Heights is exceptionally well-served by multiple subway lines (E, F, M, R, 7 trains) and numerous bus routes. While direct stops immediately at the park's entrance may vary, the park is a short and pleasant walk from several major transit hubs in the area, making it a convenient destination for anyone traveling from within Queens or even Manhattan.

For visitors driving, street parking is generally available in the surrounding residential areas. While New York City parking can sometimes be challenging, the neighborhood context of Jackson Heights often provides more accessible street parking options compared to denser commercial districts. The fact that the park is integrated with a broader community space, including the 78th Street Play Street (which is often car-free), further enhances pedestrian access and safety around the park.

The park's location at the intersection of 78th Street and 34th Avenue places it in a well-established and friendly residential part of Jackson Heights. This means that many local families can easily walk or bike to the park, promoting healthy habits and reducing reliance on vehicular transport. The seamless connection to Travers Park through pedestrian-friendly designs (such as raised plazas eliminating curbs) aims to create a unified open space that integrates effortlessly with the surrounding neighborhood, making it an inviting and integral part of daily life for Jackson Heights residents.

Rory Staunton Field, as a key component of the larger Jackson Heights park system, provides a range of essential services and facilities that cater to various recreational needs and interests within the community. These offerings ensure that the park serves as a versatile and engaging space for residents of all ages.

• Tennis Courts: A highly praised service at Rory Staunton Field is its excellent tennis court facilities. As noted by user reviews, it's a "great place to play tennis with others," indicating that the courts are well-maintained and conducive to both casual play and more organized matches. This is a significant asset for tennis enthusiasts in the area, providing accessible courts for practice and recreation.
• Playground Facilities: The park features a "playground," which is described as being "for community." While specific details about the playground's equipment for Rory Staunton Field itself can be intertwined with the adjacent Travers Park, the overall integrated park space includes a "big kid playground" and a "tot lot" (for younger children). These areas offer diverse play structures, swings, and slides, ensuring safe and engaging environments for children of various age groups.
• Multi-Purpose Asphalt Field: Rory Staunton Field, historically a former schoolyard, has been specifically designated with a "new multi-purpose asphalt field" that can accommodate a variety of sports. This includes tennis, kickball, hopscotch, and other open play activities, providing flexibility for different games and community use.
• Open Space for Recreation: Beyond structured courts and play areas, the park contributes to a large open space, crucial for various informal activities. This includes areas suitable for tai chi, yoga, running, walking, or simply relaxing on the grass. The overall park design emphasizes creating versatile zones for community use.
• Restroom Facilities: Essential for any public park, the integrated park area that includes Rory Staunton Field is equipped with restroom facilities, enhancing visitor comfort and convenience during longer stays.
• Benches and Tables: Numerous benches and picnic tables are available throughout the combined park space, offering comfortable seating areas for relaxation, socializing, or enjoying a meal outdoors. There are also chess and checker tables, encouraging quiet intellectual activities.
• Dog Run: While not specifically highlighted as being exclusively within Rory Staunton Field's boundaries, the broader Travers Park complex includes a dog run, catering to pet owners in the community.

These services collectively underscore Rory Staunton Field's role as a comprehensive recreational hub, addressing the diverse needs of the Jackson Heights community and promoting active, healthy lifestyles.

Rory Staunton Field possesses several distinctive features and highlights that contribute to its popularity and importance as a local recreational space in Jackson Heights.

• Dedicated Tennis Courts: A significant highlight is the provision of excellent tennis courts. User reviews specifically praise it as a "great place to play tennis with others," indicating well-maintained surfaces and a welcoming environment for tennis enthusiasts. This is a valuable amenity in a densely populated urban area, offering dedicated space for the sport.
• Community-Focused Playground: The presence of a playground, noted as being "for community," underscores its role as a vital resource for families. While specific play equipment varies, the playground offers a safe and engaging space for children, contributing to the family-friendly atmosphere of the park. It is designed to cater to various age groups within the broader park complex, providing diverse play opportunities.
• Integration with Travers Park: Rory Staunton Field is often considered an extension of the larger Travers Park. This integration creates a seamless and expanded open space, enhancing the overall recreational capacity of the area. This means visitors benefit from the amenities of both spaces, including additional play areas, sports courts, and open lawns. The design aims to eliminate barriers between the two formerly separate parcels.
• Multi-Purpose Asphalt Field: A key design feature, particularly for Rory Staunton Field, is its "new multi-purpose asphalt field." This versatile surface is adaptable for a wide range of activities, from tennis and kickball to hopscotch and general open play, maximizing the field's utility for the diverse community.
• Commemorative Naming: The park's name honors Rory Staunton, a local student whose story highlights the importance of public health awareness. This dedication imbues the park with a deeper community meaning, serving as a reminder of civic engagement and advocacy for public spaces. The field's transformation into public parkland was a direct result of community effort.
• Enhanced Accessibility and Pedestrian Flow: Recent renovations and the overall design strategy aim to create a more open and welcoming space. This includes seamless access from 77th Street to 79th Street, often through raised pedestrian plazas that eliminate curbs, significantly improving pedestrian flow and safety around the park.
• Community Engagement and Events Potential: While a primarily recreational field, its integration with Travers Park allows it to participate in a broader range of community activities. The combined space can host events such as farmer's markets (like the Jackson Heights Greenmarket), outdoor performances, and various fitness classes, turning the park into a vibrant community hub beyond just sports and play.

As a public park managed by the NYC Parks Department, Rory Staunton Field does not typically offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the traditional sense of a business. Its primary "offer" is free and open access to its facilities for all residents. However, the NYC Parks Department and local community organizations frequently leverage public parks, including Rory Staunton Field and the adjacent Travers Park, to host a variety of free programs and initiatives that enhance the recreational and cultural life of the community. These can be seen as ongoing "offers" to the public:

• Free Fitness Classes: The City Parks Foundation and local community groups often offer free fitness programs in NYC parks, including those in Queens. This can encompass activities like free tennis instruction, yoga, Zumba, or Tai Chi classes. For instance, free tennis programs are sometimes available at Rory Staunton Field on specific days and times (e.g., Mondays and Wednesdays from 1 PM to 3 PM during certain seasons). Residents should check the NYC Parks Department or City Parks Foundation websites for current schedules.
• Community Events and Festivals: The broader Travers Park/Rory Staunton Field complex is a popular venue for community events throughout the year. This includes the regular Jackson Heights Greenmarket on Sundays, offering fresh produce and a community gathering spot. Other events might include outdoor performances, cultural festivals, and seasonal celebrations, which are free for the public to attend.
• Youth Sports Programs: The NYC Parks Department, in partnership with various organizations, often runs free or low-cost youth sports clinics and leagues in parks. While not exclusively at Rory Staunton Field, its multi-purpose courts make it a suitable location for such activities, providing children with opportunities to learn and play various sports.
• Educational Programs: Occasionally, parks may host free educational programs related to nature, urban ecology, or local history, inviting community members to learn more about their environment.
• Accessible Amenities: The constant "promotion" of Rory Staunton Field is its open access to well-maintained tennis courts and a playground for the entire community without any entry fee. This inherent accessibility is a significant "offer" to New Yorkers seeking affordable recreational options.

To discover current schedules for free programs, events, or any specific initiatives taking place at Rory Staunton Field or the broader Travers Park, it is always best for locals to consult the official NYC Parks Department website or the websites of community organizations like the Jackson Heights Beautification Group, which often partners in activating these public spaces. These resources provide the most up-to-date information on how residents can take advantage of the park's offerings.

For those looking to visit or inquire about Rory Staunton Field, here is the essential contact information:

• Address: 78th Street &, 34th Ave, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, USA
• Phone: (212) 639-9675 (This number is typically for the NYC Parks main line or a general inquiry line, rather than a direct line to the park itself, but it can provide general information or direct you to the correct department.)
• Mobile Phone: +1 212-639-9675 (This is the same number as the landline, formatted for international dialing.)

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding park hours, specific events, or any temporary closures, it is highly recommended to visit the official website of the NYC Parks Department and search for Rory Staunton Field or Travers Park (as they are often managed as an integrated complex). The NYC Parks website is the primary source for detailed information about park facilities, rules, and capital projects.

While direct email contact for the park is not typically provided, general inquiries to the NYC Parks Department can often be submitted through their website's contact forms. For community-specific events or programs related to the park, checking with local community groups like the Jackson Heights Beautification Group might also provide valuable information.

Rory Staunton Field is an indispensable asset for the residents of Jackson Heights and the broader New York City metropolitan area. Its suitability for locals stems from a combination of its thoughtful design, diverse amenities, and deep integration into the community fabric, making it far more than just a public space.

Firstly, its strategic location at 78th Street and 34th Avenue in Jackson Heights, combined with its seamless integration with Travers Park, creates an expansive and easily accessible recreational hub. For a densely populated urban neighborhood like Jackson Heights, having such a significant amount of open, green space is a tremendous benefit. The convenient access via public transport and available street parking means that it's a practical destination for daily visits, whether for a quick stroll or a full afternoon of activity. This accessibility encourages active lifestyles and provides a vital escape from the urban hustle.

The variety of services offered directly addresses the needs of a diverse community. The "great place to play tennis with others" highlights the quality of its courts, catering to sports enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. This provides a crucial outlet for exercise and social interaction. Furthermore, the "playground was for community," emphasizing its role as a central gathering point for families. This safe and engaging space allows children to play and develop, fostering a vibrant family atmosphere within the park. The multi-purpose asphalt field further enhances its utility, accommodating various sports and casual play, ensuring that the park remains dynamic and adaptable to different recreational preferences.

Beyond its physical amenities, Rory Staunton Field holds profound community significance. Named in memory of Rory Staunton, a young local who advocated for more recreational spaces, the park serves as a living tribute to community engagement and civic responsibility. This backstory imbues the park with a sense of purpose and local pride, making it more than just a facility but a symbol of collective effort and shared values. The ongoing efforts by local organizations to host events and programs further cement its role as a true community hub, fostering connections and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

In conclusion, Rory Staunton Field is exceptionally suitable for locals because it perfectly balances recreational utility with community spirit. It provides essential facilities for active recreation, offers a safe and engaging environment for children, and serves as a significant gathering place that embodies the collaborative and vibrant nature of the Jackson Heights community. For New Yorkers seeking a park that truly serves its neighborhood, Rory Staunton Field stands out as a prime example of urban green space done right.

Rory Staunton Field

78th Street &, 34th Ave, Jackson Heights, NY 11372, USA