Picture this. You are standing at the entrance of Crocheron Park. Feel the gentle breeze off Little Neck Bay. This isn’t just any park. Crocheron Park boasts a rich history stretching back centuries.
Long before European settlers arrived the Matinecock Native American tribe called this land home. They named it “land of the hilly ground” a fitting description. Dutch farmers arrived in 1637 pushing the Matinecock further inland.
The park’s namesake the Crocheron family played a significant role in Bayside’s history. Joseph and Mary Crocheron’s hotel Crocheron House became a popular spot. It attracted prominent New Yorkers during the Gilded Age. Even Boss Tweed the notoriously corrupt mayor spent his last night in the city here. Legend says he used the hotel as a staging ground for his escape. A 150-year-old ginkgo tree a silent witness to Tweed’s dramatic flight. It’s over 82 feet tall. Its trunk measures over 34 inches thick.
After the Crocheron House burned down in 1907 the land lay fallow for a time. Then John Golden a Broadway producer bought a nearby estate. He opened his grounds to the community. He hosted egg hunts and created a baseball diamond for Bayside residents. His generosity earned him the nickname “Mr. Bayside”.
In 1924 the City of New York purchased the Crocheron estate. Years later in 1936 Crocheron Park officially opened. New Deal funds helped build the park. It included picnic areas walking paths and a variety of trees.
Golden’s legacy lives on. In 1955 he bequeathed his estate to the city. It became part of Crocheron Park. A pond within the park was also named in his honor Golden Pond.
Today Crocheron Park continues to thrive. It offers open spaces. It features tennis courts and playgrounds. It’s a testament to the community spirit that shaped its history. It’s a place where history and recreation meet. Come walk the paths. Feel the history beneath your feet. Experience the beauty of Crocheron Park for yourself.