Browne Park in North Queens, New York City, is bounded by 29th and 32nd Avenues, and 155th and 159th Streets. The Flushing park has sports facilities like basketball courts and bocce courts as well as a children’s playground.
History of Browne Park
Browne Park is named for Walter Bowne (1770-1846), who was a State Senator and New York City Mayor.
The park was the site of Bowne’s summer residence up until March 1925. A fire destroyed the building.
When he was mayor from 1828 to 1832, Bowne set up strict policies aimed at preventing cholera epidemics.
In the summer of 1832, there were reports of an outbreak in a neighboring town. This led Bowne to established a strict quarantine policy that controlled travel in and out of the metropolitan area. This was because many believed that cholera was spread through direct human contact.
When well-meaning, Bowne’s efforts were not able to prevent a cholera outbreak. It was only after German physician Robert Koch discovered that cholera spreads through contaminated water or food in 1883 that cholera epidemics were able to be contained.
New York Parks acquired Browne Park in June 1, 1925.
Bowne Park also became the first New York City park with an instant playground. This was on June 10, 1969 when ready-made modular playground equipment were installed at the park.
Browne Park Pond
One feature of the green space is the Browne Park Pond at the western end of the park. There are also two turtle island in the middle of the pond. The water feature serves as a place for park visitors to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Beautiful willows add to the greenery by the Browne Park Pond.
In 2023, as part of an improvement project to Browne Park, sediment was removed from the pond bottom to improve water quality. A new pump was also installed, so groundwater can be used to refill the pond as needed in lieu of City water. A new aeration system was installed to improve the water quality in order to deter harmful algae blooms.
Browne Park Plaza
Another feature of the Browne Park is the plaza. There are bistro tables and chairs, as well as benches and decorative pavers.
Spectators can enjoy watching players at Browne Park’s bocce courts.
Browne Playground
The Browne Playground is open from 6 am till 9 pm and features a green play structure that kids can climb up and enjoy along with a set of swings.
The Browne Park Playground is located at the eastern end of the park.
A Flushing Park
At Browne Park, families and the public looking for a recreational space can enjoy time outdoors around the pond, plaza and game courts.
If you enjoyed this story, you may also enjoy reading more about Starlight Park in the Bronx.
