Nautilus Playground is located at Public Beach, W. 29 St. and W. 32 St. Brooklyn
Shakespeare once asked, “What’s in a nameΑ” In the case of parks, a name often reflects the history of the place, and the spirit of the time when the park was named.
Many small parks were named after local men who served and died in World Wars I and II, recalling acts of courage in troubled times. Others are named after prominent local figures, allowing the deceased to remain an important part of the community. Some derive their name from a previous owner of the property, others from local streets.
What is Nautilus Park Named After
Nautilus Park, which borders Riegelmann Boardwalk between West 29th and West 32nd Streets, follows the maritime naming tradition of the Coney Island area.
The playground’s name comes from the nautilus, a marine coiled-shell mollusk, belonging to the only surviving genus of the nautiloids, which were the largest predators of the seas during the Ordovician period 450 million years ago.
The nautilus is a member of the carnivorous mollusk family Nautilidae, common in the Pacific Ocean, and part of the Cephalopoda class of highly mobile mollusks that possess large eyes, tentacles, and powerful beak-like mouths. The shell of the nautilus is divided into 36 chambers, with the animal residing in the last and largest chamber. The chambers are filled with gas and liquid, which the animal controls in order to affect its buoyancy. The nautilus rests on the ocean floor during the day, and at night, swims about by forcing water through a primitive funnel. Using its adhesive tentacles, the nautilus feeds on shrimp and algae. Species related to the nautilus include shell-less mollusks such as the octopus and squid.
History of Nautilus Playground in Southeast Queens
The City of New York acquired this land by condemnation in 1945, and the Board of Estimate assigned it to Parks on May 14, 1953. It opened to the public on June 13, 1957, as the recreational area for the Coney Island Houses. Its originally name was Coney Island Houses Playground.
A severe housing shortage after World War II caused the clearing of more than 50 acres of Coney Island residences to make way for new housing. Coney Island’s existing homes and bungalows could not sustain year-round living, therefore new housing, mostly large apartment buildings, was constructed around Surf, Neptune, and Mermaid Avenues. The last blocks of 30th and 31st Streets were cleared for the Coney Island Houses project- city-aided housing, constructed by the New York City Housing Authority.
The playground’s name was changed to Nautilus Playground in July 1997 by Commissioner Stern.
Today, the park features slides, swings, basketball courts, gaming tables, shuffleboard courts, a sandbox pit, and a comfort station. The basketball courts were renovated and used as a set in Spike Lee’s 1998 movie He Got Game. The playground also features London planetrees (Platanus acerifolia). The London planetree takes its name from London, England, where it flourished despite the city’s once coal-polluted air.
Renovation of Nautilus Playground in Southeast Queens
In October 2023, a $5.8 million capital project added new play equipment, upgraded the nautical-themed spray shower, and constructed a brand-new plaza with seating
Nautilus Playground is the perfect place to come out of your shell! Following renovations, this Queens playground is now open with updated play equipment, an enhanced nautical-themed spray shower area, new fitness equipment, and more.
NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue was joined by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., Council Member Nantasha Williams, other elected officials, and members of the community to celebrate the completion of a $5.8 million reconstruction project at Nautilus Playground inside Roy Wilkins Park in Queens.
“Thanks to these exciting new renovations, Nautilus Playground will continue to enchant Queens community members of all ages for generations to come with its charming aquatic theme, enhanced play and fitness equipment, and new neighborhood plaza,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “Playgrounds are a vital necessity for connecting with friends, building community, and staying active. This reconstruction is just the latest example of our commitment to provide safe, accessible public spaces in all five boroughs.”
The $5.8 million capital project upgraded the playground with a brand-new plaza surrounded by benches. A new spray shower area has been enhanced, with colored concrete pavement, a nautilus motif in a sea of blue, and new fish-themed ground spray features for younger children. The project also renovated the play area with new children’s play equipment, swings, a circuit training station for older teens, and a separate space for adult fitness equipment.
The Playground Hours are 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The project was funded by the Office of the Queens Borough President and New York City Council.
“The scars of systemic disinvestment are evident across Southeast Queens, especially when it comes to park space. But with the gorgeous new Nautilus Playground, revamped in partnership with the Parks Department, we’re flipping that script and investing in local families who deserve a healthy place to play and bond,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “Thank you to everyone who made this $5.8 million project a reality and I look forward to seeing kids from across Southeast Queens enjoying the new equipment for years to come.”
“Investing in our community spaces is an investment in our shared future. The renovations of Nautlius playground not only transforms a physical space, but also ignores a sense of hope and excitement among us all. It symbolizes our commitment to fostering a vibrant, connected community where families thrive, and memories are made,” said Queens Council Member Nantasha Williams. This revitalized playground is not just a recreational area; it’s a testament to our collective dedication to creating an inclusive environment where everyone regardless of age and background, can come together, play, and forge lasting bonds.”
