“Haggerty Park sounds like a nice place” someone just said as you approached. This neighborhood park is a community hub in Hollis. Haggerty Park offers recreational activities for all ages. It provides a peaceful retreat from city life. Locals and tourists find solace here.
Haggerty Park honors Daniel A. Haggerty. He was a Queens public servant for 18 years. Born in Brooklyn in 1884, he moved to Queens. Haggerty worked for the Charles H. Eddy advertising agency. He was employed there for 43 years becoming the firm’s treasurer.
While at the Eddy firm, Haggerty served as Democratic leader. He led the Ninth Assembly in central Queens for 35 years. In the early 1940s, Haggerty retired from advertising. He entered Queens politics full time.
Haggerty served as secretary to Supreme Court Justice Charles Colden from 1943 to 1956. Later, he became chief clerk to Queens District Attorney Frank D. O’Connor. Haggerty was also a vice-chairman of the Queens County Democratic Committee. In 1959, he was named sewer commissioner for Queens. He served one two-year term. Haggerty retired at 77 in 1961.
For forty years, Haggerty lived in Hollis, Queens. He died in 1965. He was survived by his wife, Helen Henry, and three children.
Haggerty Park is bounded by 201st and 204th Streets. It lies just north of the Long Island Railroad in Hollis. The City of New York acquired the land in 1953. In 1955, Mayor Robert F. Wagner provided funds for the park’s construction.
The playground opened in 1956. A local law named it Daniel A. Haggerty Park in 1967. Mayor Edward I. Koch sponsored a total park reconstruction in 1981. Renovations included new basketball and baseball fields. Existing courts and fields were renovated. New play equipment, seating, and greenery were added. In 1999, Council Member Archie Spigner provided funds for park improvements.
Today Haggerty Park has a shaded play area. There are handball courts, basketball courts, and a ball field. Ballfield lighting allows for night games. Haggerty Park has bathrooms, field maintenance, a playground, and seating. Tournaments are held here.
The park has a clean and safe environment. There has been recent investment in its upkeep. There are mapped trees contributing to its green space. Haggerty Park may not have natural areas or active volunteer groups. Yet it remains an empowered and engaged space for the community.
As you leave Haggerty Park reflect on its history and offerings. It stands as a testament to community and recreation in Queens. Its evolution reflects the dedication of leaders like Daniel A. Haggerty. The park continues to serve as a vital space for residents and visitors alike.