Kissena Corridor Park

Hidden beneath the vibrant tapestry of Kissena Corridor Park lies a secret, a story of a vanished waterway. Kissena Creek, once a lively ribbon of water, now flows silently beneath our feet. Kissena Corridor Park owes its existence to this forgotten creek. The creek, whose name comes from the Chippewa word for “cold water,” once flowed from a swamp in Kew Gardens Hills, eastward through Fresh Meadows, before turning north and finally west. It meandered through what is now the Kissena Park Golf Course, then into Kissena Lake, the heart of Kissena Park. From the lake, the creek continued its journey westward, eventually joining the Flushing River in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Kissena Park itself, a 235-acre oasis in bustling Flushing, boasts a rich history. Established in 1910, it preserves a portion of Samuel Parsons’ 19th-century nursery, a treasure trove of exotic trees. This “Historic Grove” stands as a living testament to Parsons’ horticultural legacy. Kissena Lake, once a natural wetland, has seen its share of transformations. A 1942 project reshaped it into a “bathtub lake” with concrete edges. Later, in 2003, a restoration project returned a semblance of nature to its shores. In the heart of Kissena Park lies the Kissena Velodrome, New York City’s only cycling track. Built in 1962, it hosted events for the 1964 World’s Fair and Olympic trials. Kissena Corridor Park, established in the mid-1950s, extends the park’s green embrace along the former right-of-way of the Long Island Rail Road. The park is more than just a recreational space. It is a vital link in the Brooklyn-Queens Greenway, a 40-mile pathway connecting diverse communities and natural wonders. The story of Kissena Corridor Park is one of transformation. From a swamp and a creek to a nursery and a railroad line, the land has evolved, reflecting the changing needs and aspirations of the city. As you stroll along the park’s paths, remember the hidden creek beneath your feet, a reminder of the enduring power of nature, even in the heart of a bustling metropolis.