Imagine a sea serpent, 15-foot tall. It stands proudly in Admiral Park. This isn’t just any park. It’s a place steeped in history, named for a naval hero. Let’s dive into the story of Admiral Park.
Admiral Park carries a distinguished name. It honors Admiral David Dixon Porter. He was born in Chester, Pennsylvania in 1813. Porter followed his father into the United States Navy. During the Civil War, he served with distinction. He was under Admiral Farragut during the capture of New Orleans. As commander of the Mississippi River Squadron, Porter joined General Ulysses S. Grant in the Vicksburg Campaign. This earned him a promotion to rear admiral. In 1865, he directed the bombardment of Fort Fisher in Wilmington, North Carolina. After Farragut’s death in 1870, Porter became a full admiral. He remained the Navy’s most senior officer for 21 years.
But there’s another name associated with this park. The playground inside is still called Sy Seplowe Playground. Seymour “Sy” Seplowe was a community activist. He was a youth advocate from the Bronx. He served in World War II. He settled in northeastern Queens in the early 1950s. Seplowe founded the Little Neck-Douglaston Youth Club in 1953. It had 1,200 members. The club provided athletic opportunities for community youth. He also helped found Community Board 11. He even served as president of the Little Neck-Douglaston Community Council. Seplowe promoted baseball. He was the Little League administrator for School District 26 for 35 years.
In 1951, New York City acquired land near P.S. 94. They built a park for the school. The city initially named it in honor of Sy Seplowe. A 1958 construction project added many features. These included paddle tennis tables and play equipment. New shrubs and shade trees were planted. Basketball, handball, and shuffleboard courts were added.
Then, in 1985, the Parks Department renamed it Admiral Park. A major renovation took place in 1997. Council Member Michael Aber funded the $852,000 project. The park gained two handball courts. There is now one half and one full basketball court. A comfort station was built. Safety surfacing was installed. New play equipment was added. The park also features a flagpole with yardarm, swings, and sitting areas.
The park’s design reflects Admiral Porter’s naval career. The nautical theme is clear. The most striking feature is the spray shower. It is a 15-foot tall sea serpent. So, as you wander through Admiral Park. Remember the two men honored here. Admiral David Dixon Porter a naval hero and Seymour “Sy” Seplowe a local hero. Their legacies live on in this vibrant community space.