Forest Park
History
Forest Park is the third largest park in Queens. It is surrounded by five ethnically diverse neighborhoods, Richmond Hill, Kew Gardens, Forest Hills, Woodhaven, and Glendale.
The History of Forest Park dates back to 1895 when officials of Brooklyn's western district began to search for a place to develop a recreational facility for their constituents who were living in greatly overcrowded conditions. Heavily forested and filled with song birds, rabbits, and quail, the park offered magnificent views of the Long Island Sound and Atlantic Ocean from its high hills. The original aim was to purchase 500 acres of land that would connect to a series of "greenbelts" and extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Long Island Sound. The site selected for the new park was a large wooded area, located in Queens County. On August 9, 1895, the first parcel of land in what would later become Forest Park was purchased. Because of the numerous landowners involved, the park had to be procured in 124 parcels. When the last of the 538 acres of land was obtained in 1898, Brooklyn and Queens were part of New York City. Thus, the original name of the planned park, Brooklyn Forest Park, was shortened to its present title. Conceived by Frederick Law Olmsted, the wandering design of the park's main drive offers the pastoral quality evident in other New York City flagship parks planned by the renowned architect.
The next forty years brought great changes to the park. Existing buildings were sold at auctions, removed, and more land was set aside for a golf course, clubhouse, and a greenhouse. The work projects administration laid new road, built recreational facilities, and installed park paths. Forest Park is one of the last natural densely forested parks in New York City, abundant not only with vegetation, but wildlife and knob-and-kettle topography.
Within the last two decades, Forest Park has experienced a renaissance. Facilities like Oak Ridge and the George Seuffert Sr. Bandshell received extensive facelifts. The playground received modern equipment, and an Administrator and staff were assigned to the park to manage, maintain, and fundraise, bringing the park back to the community.
Serving the Kew Gardens, Forest Hills, Richmond Hill, Woodhaven, and Glendale communities, the Forest Park of today offers something for everyone, whether it be athletics or relaxation in a natural setting. The western portion of the park is a sports enthusiast's paradise with softball fields and tennis courts. Basketball courts can be found at the Greenhouse Playground. Those looking to work out their upper torso can try their luck at the park's bocce courts, horseshoe pitches, and shuffleboard area. Opened in 1905 as a nine-hole course, the 110-acre Forest Park Golf Links at the park's western edge now boasts 18 holes. Victory Field sports complex - a 13.5-acre outdoor, athletic facility dedicated to the veterans of World War I - opened in the eastern park in 1927. It features a 400-meter track, handball courts, and facilities for pole vaulting, broad jumping, shot put, and discus throwing.
In contrast to its western part, the eastern park offers a serene setting, as hiking trails and 7 miles of bridle paths traverse the area's northern forest, gully, and pine grove. Horses, which can be hired at two private stables, provide a fun way to survey the environment. Those who prefer to travel by foot have their choice among three designated hiking trails. The .5-mile red trail, 1.5-mile yellow trail, and 1.75-mile blue trail introduce park visitors to the natural wonders of the park. Those searching for a challenge greater than the traditional walk in the park can set out, compass and map in hand, during the park's biannual orienteering meets.
Environmental features of the park are plentiful. Kettle holes, knobs, boulders, and a rocky terrain are remnants of the region's glacial past. With specimens over 150 years old, the 413 acres of native red and white oak forest is another natural attraction of the park. After exploring the largest continuous oak forest in the country, arboreal-minded citizens can walk through the pine grove, a stand whose beginnings can be traced to the planting of 2,500 trees in 1914.
Bandshell History
In 1898, George Seuffert Sr. organized his first concert in Forest Park at a bandstand, which was replaced in 1920 with a bandshell. The Bandshell is named for George Seuffert Sr., whose Seuffert Band played free Sunday afternoon concerts, a tradition continued by his son, Dr. George F. Seuffert, until his death in 1995. The Queens Symphony Orchestra has continued the customary Sunday afternoon concerts. Bandshell performers have included: Garth Brooks, The Platters, Johnny Maestro & The Brooklyn Bridge, and Children's Arts in the Park, which takes place on Wednesday throughout the summer season.