Fishing, Birding, and Bicycling at Alley Pond Park
Come to Alley Pond Park, where the fishing’s fine, the birdsong’s sweet, and bicyclists ride safely by.
We LOVE Alley Pond Park and want you to enjoy it also.
Leader
Lorraine Engenito
Location
P7R6+XJ Oakland Gardens, Queens, NY Oakland Gardens, NY 11364
About the project
We have made our goal for the below. Additional community support will be used for educational signage and support of NYC Park Department’s stewardship efforts.
- an instructional panel that describes appropriate NYC Parks fishing etiquette for catch and release, and removal of all gear after fishing
- one or two cycling stands which aid in the repair of bicycles, to be placed at inviting points in the park to indicate to cyclists they are welcome to use the appropriate trails in the park
The signs and cycle repair stations to be funded by your generous contributions will make all park users aware of the appropriate fishing and cycling etiquette to be used to properly protect all of the wildlife in the park, allowing all park users to share in its benefits.
The bicycle repair stations along the paved bike trails will encourage cyclists to enjoy rides through existing and new bike trails.
The instructive panel about the vibrant wildlife in the estuary, particularly the distinctive bird and waterfowl population, will describe the appropriate fishing etiquette that will safeguard these beautiful creatures from harm due to abandoned fishing lines and other gear, and will provide a moment for all park users to be aware of the special nature of the lake's location in the flyway and its role in the estuary. Oakland Lake is a popular spot for local anglers in search of bass, pickerel and sunfish. As in all New York City Parks, the pond is managed for catch and release fishing only. Please see the photo of the loon found in Oakland Lake that was injured by fishing line wrapped around his beak. Thanks to the Urban Rangers and rehabilitators, he was rescued, untangled, and released in good health.
The Steps
- By November 1st, order one bicycle repair station. If we have raised the full $2400 at this time, we will order two repair stations. Submit payment to NYC Parks Department for the panel at Oakland Lake.
- Installation of the fishing panel will be performed by the NYC Parks upon receipt from their vendor.
- Upon delivery of the bicycle repair station(s), monitor installation by NYC Parks
- Prepare media releases concerning these additions to Alley Pond Park and host dedication ceremonies.
Why we‘re doing it
Alley Pond Park is the second largest park in Queens, covering 655 acres.
The Friends of Alley Pond Park wants to highlight this wonderful leisure resource to its neighbors and to encourage its safe use.