Bay Terrace, Queens
Cross Island Parkway, Totten Road to 15 Road
Fort Totten Park gives visitors a place to relax and enjoy outdoor activities while seeing a glimpse of New York’s past. The site was once a Civil War fortress, then became a U.S. Army base, and is now a public park on prime waterfront land. The National Park Service provided the former base to the city of New York for no cost by using the Federal Lands to Parks program as part of the Base Realignment and Closure process. The park, expanded to 60 acres today, is a popular place year round. Visitors can tour the historic structures and visitors center to learn about the site’s history, or enjoy outdoor activities in the park. Swimming in the park’s pool, canoeing around Long Island Sound, bird watching, and exploring the fort are all popular options.
Photo: Civil War battery at Fort Totten Park
– Courtesy New York City Department of Parks and Recreation
