Bayswater Point State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bayswater Point State Park |
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| Type | State park |
| Location | 1479 Point Breeze Place Far Rockaway, New York |
| Nearest city | Queens, New York |
| Area | 17 acres (0.069 km2) |
| Created | 1991 |
| Operated by | New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation |
| Visitors | 17,566 (in 2014) |
| Open | All year |
| Website | Bayswater Point State Park |
Bayswater Point State Park is a special place in Queens, New York. It's a state park that covers about 17 acres (6.9 km2). You can find it right on the edge of Jamaica Bay. The park is in the Bayswater area, close to Far Rockaway. This land used to be a big estate with a mansion owned by a banker named Louis A. Heinsheimer.
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Park History
The land where Bayswater Point State Park now stands was once home to a huge mansion. It was called "Breezy Point" and was built in 1907. A New York City banker named Louis A. Heinsheimer owned it.
In 1925, the mansion became a home for children with disabilities. Later, it was used as a home for children with intellectual disabilities. The property was put up for sale in the late 1980s.
Becoming a State Park
In 1986, a group called the Trust for Public Land bought about 12 acres (4.9 km2) of the land. This land was meant to become Bayswater Point State Park. The mansion had been damaged by fire. It was torn down in 1987. Only the conservatory (a type of greenhouse) was left standing.
In 1988, the land was given to New York State. The state officially made it a state park in 1991. They also gave New York City Audubon the job of managing the park. Between 1994 and 1996, the Audubon Society worked on restoring the park. They also wanted to help people learn about protecting the land.
Recent Events
In May 2010, the park had to close for a short time. This happened because of budget cuts affecting many state parks. But by the end of the month, an agreement was made. Many parks, including Bayswater Point, were able to reopen. In 2015, plans were announced for an $80,000 project. This project aimed to make Sunset Lodge, a building in the park, more stable.
What You Can Do at the Park
Bayswater Point State Park was created to protect important places for birds. Many migratory birds use Jamaica Bay as a stop on their long journeys. The park also helps protect butterflies, like the Delaware skipper.
Its beach is a special spot for horseshoe crabs. They come to the beach each year to lay their eggs. Because of this, the park is mostly kept natural. It's a great place for quiet activities. You can go hiking, watch birds, or even go fishing.
Images for kids
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Beach at park
