Forest Park

Forest Park is the third largest park in Queens and is one of the last natural densely forested parks in New York City. With specimens over 150 years old, the 413 acres of native red and white oak forest may leave you feeling you have left New York City miles behind. Surrounded by five ethnically diverse neighborhoods - Richmond Hill, Kew Gardens, Forest Hills, Woodhaven and Glendale - Forest Park attracts a diverse set of city dwellers looking for outdoor athletics or relaxation. 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 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. The 110-acre Forest Park Golf Links at the park's western edge 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.