From an abandoned landfill emerged College Point Fields. It is a vibrant public park. Let’s explore the story of this recreational haven in College Point, Queens.
College Point Fields derives its name from the College Point neighborhood. The neighborhood got its name from St. Paul’s College. This Episcopalian seminary operated from 1838 to 1850.
The park is bordered by Ulmer and 130th Streets. It stretches west to 23rd Avenue to the north. Linden Place marks its eastern boundary. To the south are 26th Avenue and Mill Creek remnants. College Point Fields offers many activities. There are two Little League Baseball fields. Regular baseball fields are also available. A soccer field invites sports enthusiasts. A roller hockey rink provides space for skaters. Bleachers accommodate spectators.
To the east of College Point Fields once stood Flushing Airport. It was active from 1927 to 1984. South of the former airport is the College Point Corporate Park. It opened in 1960. In the corporate park’s northwestern corner was the College Point Sports Complex.
But the story of College Point Fields has a dark chapter. The fields closed in 1997. This was due to illegal waste dumping on the site. Enviro-Fill was the contractor involved. Several individuals faced criminal charges for the dumping.
The New York City Parks Department took control of the site in 1996. After extensive cleanup, the Little League fields reopened on April 17, 2004. Field 4 underwent renovations in 2016. Additional fields were renovated. They were scheduled to reopen in January 2018. The reopening was delayed until November 2018.
College Point itself has a rich history. Before it was College Point, it was known by other names. These include Lawrence’s Neck, Tew’s Neck, Flammersberg, and Strattonsport. In 1854, Conrad Poppenhusen, a German-American industrialist, arrived. He transformed College Point into a factory town. Poppenhusen was a philanthropist. He contributed to churches, libraries, and the Poppenhusen Institute.
The Poppenhusen Institute holds a unique distinction. It housed Abraham Lincoln’s disassembled log cabin during the Civil War. After the war, it was returned to Kentucky. The institute also established America’s first free kindergarten.
In recent years, College Point has seen residential growth. New homes have been built. The College Point Corporate Park hosts over 200 companies.
Today, College Point Fields stands as a testament to community resilience. From illegal dumping to revitalization, it offers recreational opportunities for all. Remember the story of College Point Fields. It is a symbol of renewal. It is a place for sports, recreation, and community gathering.