Broad Channel American Park

Cross Bay Blvd. bet. W. 20 Rd. and Beach Channel

Queens, 11693

This text is part of Parks’ Historical Signs Project and can be found posted within the park.

Located on Cross Bay Boulevard between East 16th and East 18th roads, Broad Channel Community Park lies within the neighborhood of Broad Channel, the only island community in Jamaica Bay. The neighborhood stands on Big Egg Marsh, an island approximately 20 blocks long and 4 blocks wide. Prior to European settlement, the Jameco and Canarsie Native Americans frequented this area. During the 1600s, Dutch settlers established a community on the island and began harvesting oysters, clams, shrimp, and fish. Broad Channel remained a parcel within the Town of Jamaica until the consolidation of New York City in 1898.