As someone who grew up in the area and lived there for 25 years, I never fully appreciated Forest Park for what it truly is: a hidden gem where one or more could get away, could get lost in, could tell stories about. Add to that is the fact that it offers so many amenities. It's also a park that's so big that you can start in Cypress Hills and end up in Forest Hills, two different neighborhoods of almost opposite classes.
Let's take a walk shall we?
If you know where to go, one could take a short hike to the hills overlooking the cemetery and a view looking down at Brooklyn. If you've dirtied your pants climbing over soil, you'll look just as presentable as the amateur painter you may run into, who looks like he's seen the wild side of life, trying to capture the view.
Walk east along Park Lane South and you'll find people doing meditation in the morning, a playground where kids play and throw dog feces at each other, some guy getting into a car and ditching his friend, private tennis courts, sunbathers next to a dog park, and Victorian houses on the opposite side of the street that are rich in history.
If you stray off trail and walk through the woods, be wary as you may find plants that make you itch like poison ivy, local kids hiding out for some alone time, and hangout spots with litter and logs for seats where groups could share things besides stories and laughter.
Walk along Forest Park Drive and you'll find a huge golf course and remnants of someone's dream wedding. One could have an outdoor ceremony at the Bandshell and take a lengthy walk to Oak Ridge. You may find out that Oak Ridge does hold parties if you ever get into a car accident while passing by and you see party-goers dressed up, watching you while you wait for police to arrive.
Continuing east on Forest Park Drive and you will find picnic areas next to a huge parking lot where one could teach their kids how to drive, or where one could leave their car next to some guy in his car who's glaring at you, only to return and find that your tire has been slashed.
Going past the parking lot and you'll find (if it's still there) a carousel that once teased youngsters who waited years for it to open so they may bring unrequited love out for a date there. On the opposite side, hidden away, is Strack Pond, which you could walk around.
Cross over Woodhaven Boulevard and you'll find baseball fields, basketball courts, handball courts, and Victory Field, which comes with a track and where there may be a crowd. Bring a friend and you can play catch, but be sure to catch that ball, sonny, or it will wander into a group of soccer players and one of them will angrily zoom your ball faster and farther away than you thought possible.
You can walk a mile's worth jogging path and explore off-road trails that branch out from it and make it feel like you're not in the city anymore. Some would giggle at true-or-untrue tales that late-night encounters occur there. In a movie (that may or may not be released in the future), a grave somewhere is reserved for someone who went missing.
Finally, at the east end of Forest Park is an open area where one could take a break after that long walk and contemplate about life before heading all the way back (regret).
Forest Park is a hidden gem for outsiders who don't live in the residential neighborhoods it borders. It's comparable to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park and it beats the lesser and more tame parks located in eastern Queens. I don't live in the area anymore, but if it weren't for the congestion in and around the park, I would be back more often. If you do end up there, be sure to take your time: you can't take it all in in one day... Oh and don't mind me: all those good memories are coming back to me. Hopefully, someday, they will for you too. read more