in 1928, probably due to unpaid gambling debts. In 1931, New
York City acquired Juniper Swamp from Rothstein’s estate, later
converting the property into a public park.
Inside scoop: The Pullis Cemetery, which is located near the park
off Juniper Boulevard North at 81st Street, has historic landmark
status. Thomas Pullis Sr. purchased 32 acres there in 1832 and
built the burial ground for his family.
Address: Juniper Boulevard between Lutheran Avenue, 71st
Street and Dry Harbor Road.
Kissena Park has nearly 240 acres of winding paths through
shady trees (including weeping willows), open green space,
tennis courts, sports fields, and a fishing pond. The park also
features a velodrome for bicycle riders, and a public golf course
is nearby.
Inside scoop: The word “Kissena” means “It is cold” in the
Chippewa language. However, the Chippewa tribe lives mainly
in Wisconsin and never had a large population in Queens.
Address: Bounded by Rose Avenue, Oak Avenue, 164th Street,
Booth Memorial Avenue and Kissena Boulevard, Flushing.
Roy Wilkins Recreation Center is named after a civil rights
leader who also served as president of the NAACP. In addition to
the 425-seat Black Spectrum Theatre (mentioned previously), the
park has a four-acre community garden, basketball, handball and
tennis courts, outdoor performance space, and an indoor pool.
Inside scoop: An African-American Hall of Fame is located
in the African Courtyard. Inductees include Shirley Chisholm,
the first African-American woman elected to Congress, and the
park’s namesake, of course.
Location: Vicinity of Merrick Boulevard, 115th Avenue, 116th
Avenue, and Baisley Boulevard.
Rufus King Park consists of 11 acres and is home to the King
Manor Museum as well as soccer fields, gardens, and tennis
courts. It has undergone three major capital projects over the past
30 years to improve the grounds, relocate the bandstand, rebuild
the park house, and create new paths, fencing, and benches.
Inside scoop: A steel picket fence displaying the words from
the Preamble of the Constitution runs around the museum’s
perimeter.
Address: Bounded by Jamaica Avenue, 89th Avenue, 150th Street
and 153rd Street.
105