Did you know that John Golden Park in Queens was once a private estate? John Golden a Broadway producer known as Mr Bayside gifted this land to the city. He loved his community. He welcomed neighbors for picnics and games on his expansive property. John Golden Park wasn’t always a park. It started as a 17-acre estate bordering Crocheron Park. Golden’s mansion was demolished to make way for open space. The park is a testament to his generosity. It offers green space for the people of Bayside.
The history of John Golden Park is deeply intertwined with the history of its neighbor Crocheron Park. Both parks share a winding path layout designed in 1934 and 1955. They are connected to the Brooklyn-Queens Greenway. Crocheron Park actually contains Crocheron Pond. For decades it was also known as Golden Pond. This is a bit confusing because it’s not directly connected to John Golden Park.
Crocheron Pond itself has a rich past. It was once called Mickle Pond. Andrew Mickle a former mayor of New York City owned an estate overlooking the pond. Even earlier the Crocheron House a popular hotel stood at the isthmus separating Little Neck Bay from the pond. It hosted lavish clambakes for New York’s elite. This included William M Tweed the infamous Boss Tweed who even used it as a temporary hideout before his escape to Spain.
The Crocheron House burned down in 1907. The area remained unused until the city acquired it in 1924. Then the New Deal provided the funds for the park’s development. The pond was reshaped into a teardrop form. In the 1950s and 60s Crocheron Park hosted New York Philharmonic concerts. Leonard Bernstein himself conducted. Tens of thousands attended these outdoor events.
Today John Golden Park remains a cherished space. It’s a place where children play and families gather. Its past offers intriguing glimpses into New York City’s history. From a wealthy man’s generosity to a pond’s many names. The park’s story is a fascinating blend of personal legacy and urban development. So take a moment to appreciate John Golden’s gift. Enjoy the green space he created for all.