Turtle Playground

What secrets does a turtle whisper to the earth? At Turtle Playground, tucked away in Flushing, Queens, those whispers echo in the laughter of children. Turtle Playground, officially renamed in 1997, wasn’t always a haven for turtles and children. This small park, a mere .358 acres, was originally known as Kiddy Playground. Its history intertwines with the construction of the Long Island Expressway. In 1954, the city acquired the land as part of the expressway project. Imagine the transformation, from open space to a bustling construction zone, then finally to the playground we see today. Parks Commissioner Henry J. Stern chose the name “Turtle Playground” after a renovation. This renovation brought in charming turtle play sculptures and updated equipment. The snapping turtle, a resilient creature found in nearby Flushing Meadows-Corona Park and Kissena Park, inspired the name. It symbolizes the park’s own transformation and endurance. Just south of Turtle Playground lie the Mount Hebron and Cedar Grove Cemeteries. These cemeteries occupy the former Spring Hill estate of Cadwallader Colden, a colonial governor, and his grandson Cadwallader David Colden, a former Mayor of New York. Think about the layers of history beneath our feet, from colonial times to the present day. Turtle Playground stands as a testament to the city’s ability to adapt and create spaces for joy amidst the hustle and bustle. It’s a place where children’s laughter mingles with the whispers of history, a place where turtles and children play together, a place where the past and the present meet.