Inside scoop: In 1911, an independent Queens branch of the
Parks Department, the Overlook, was established. Built in
a Spanish-Mission style, this building houses administrative
offices. Henry Miller, who wrote Tropic of Cancer (1934), was
stationed at the Overlook in the 1920s, when he worked as
a gravedigger.
Address: Bounded by Myrtle Avenue, Union Turnpike, Park Lane
South, Brooklyn-Queens County Line and Park Lane.
Floyd Bennett Field, which straddles the Brooklyn-Queens
border, is a former airfield that’s listed on the National Register
of Historic Places. Hangar A and Hangar B are often open to
the public and display historic aircraft and other exhibits. Some
hangars have been converted into a sports arena and ice-skating
rinks.
Inside scoop: Hurricane Sandy caused a lot of destruction, but
the area has bounced back and has various healthy shopping
strips.
Address: www.nps.gov/gate.
Fort Tilden, which was established in 1917, is named after
Samuel Tilden, who was governor of New York State in 1875
and 1876. It once housed anti aircraft missiles to defend from
attack by sea and air.
The fort was decommissioned in 1974 and control was
transferred to the National Park Service. It lies by a freshwater
pond and a maritime forest and is often used for art exhibitions.
An observatory deck provides breath-taking views of Jamaica
Bay, all the way to the Manhattan skyline.
Inside scoop: Two nonprofits – the Rockaway Artist Alliance and
the Rockaway Theatre Company – offer programs there.
Address: Vicinity of Rockaway Beach Boulevard in Breezy
Point.
Fort Totten Park is actually a preserved Civil War fortress that
became a working U.S. Army installation and now provides
space for the United States Army Reserve. With more than
60 acres, the area has large fields, dilapidated houses, an old
officers’ club, a sports complex and a public swimming pool.
Patrons can take canoes into the Long Island Sound, explore
a fortress, observe migrating birds or play soccer. The park is
also a frequent host to special events, and on Halloween, Rangers
allow individuals to get spooked at a haunted house in the old
water battery.
92 QUEENS IN YOUR POCKET • www.its inqueens .com
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