O'Donohue Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids O'Donohue Park |
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|---|---|
| Type | Public Park |
| Location | Far Rockaway, Queens |
| Nearest city | New York City |
| Created | New York City Department of Parks and Recreation |
| Open | 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. |
O'Donohue Park is a public park located in the Far Rockaway neighborhood of Queens in New York City. It sits on the Rockaway Peninsula, a long stretch of land with beaches. The park is at the eastern end of the famous Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk. It's a fun place for people of all ages to visit and enjoy the outdoors.
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The Story of O'Donohue Park
O'Donohue Park has an interesting history. Before it became a public park, this land was a private area with summer homes. It was a popular spot for people to enjoy the beach during the warmer months.
Early Days and Development
In 1868, a woman named Mary O'Donohue bought the land. Her family continued to develop it as a place for summer vacations. People would come here to relax by the ocean.
Becoming a Public Park
Later, in 1925, a developer named Isaac Zaret bought the property. He called it O'Donohue Park. He planned to build many homes there, but his plan didn't work out. The land eventually went into foreclosure by 1938.
The city of New York then bought the land in 1942. This made it a public space for everyone to use. In 1957, the city added even more land to the park. This expanded O'Donohue Park towards Beach 17th Street, making it much bigger.
What You Can Do at O'Donohue Park
O'Donohue Park was updated in 2012 to add many cool features. What was once a large parking lot is now a vibrant space for activities.
Fun Features for Everyone
Today, the park has a big grassy lawn where you can relax or play. There's also the Far Rockaway Skate Park, which is perfect for skateboarding and scootering. If you like sports, you'll find basketball courts. There's also exercise equipment for staying active. You can also find quiet sitting areas to relax.
Sports and Play Areas
Near Beach 17th Street, there's a baseball field where you can play ball. You'll also find a lifeguard station there, ready for beach safety. At Beach 9th Street, there's a children's playground. It's a great spot for younger kids to have fun. There's also a comfort station nearby with restrooms.
Views and Waterways
O'Donohue Park offers beautiful views of the East Rockaway Inlet. This inlet is connected to Reynolds Channel and eventually leads out to the big Atlantic Ocean. It's a great place to watch boats or just enjoy the water.
