Floyd Bennett Field (FBF) was the perfect venue to kick off National Park Week. Jamaica Bay- Rockaway Parks Conservancy (JBRPC) and the National Park Service (NPS) organized fun-for-all activities throughout the park on Saturday, August 22nd. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., history buffs, adventurers and fun-seekers could explore, celebrate and connect.
Walking into the Ryan Visitor Center, located at 1 Floyd Bennett Field, was like taking a stroll into the past and looking into the window of a time (1937) when an airplane ticket to Boston cost $13.90 and pioneers like Howard Hughes, Jacqueline Cochran and Wiley Post walked casually through the passenger terminal.
Museum guests appreciated the intricate, original painted designs on the walls and ceilings, viewed artifacts about FBF, New York City’s first municipal airport, and children tested their pitch at a flight control exhibit. The best part of the tour was the trip to the air traffic control station in the tower. Even on an overcast day, the view was breathtaking.
A trolley from The New York Trolley Company was available at the visitor center to take adventurers from one activity to the next throughout FBF. Kings Cycling had bike rentals available in case a person craved a more active form of transportation. They had a variety of bikes for all sizes and several options with comfortable seating.
NPS provided 39 kayaks and gear for anyone that wanted to paddle in Jamaica Bay, launching from the Seaplane Ramp. Even dogs joined in on the fun.
Airplane and history lovers of all ages were awestruck as they made their way through Hangar B with NPS guides and viewed the impressive collection of historic aircraft. To many of the younger patrons, the aircraft and the “stories” that go along with them seemed unfathomable.
If the plane obsession could not be satisfied after leaving Hangar B, enthusiasts headed to the Remote Control (RC) Plane Club area, on Runway 19, near the scenic shoreline of FBF where pilots performed flight exhibitions. The RC Club has been in the park for over 50 years, and if members are not skillfully maneuvering their plane, they are always ready to support an enthusiast or assist a newcomer.
Robert Moses, city planner, envisioned FBF, formerly named Barren Island, as “a place within the limits of the city where the strain of our city life can be relieved, where the nerves of tired workers can be soothed, where the old may rest and the young may play.” He would have been pleased with the National Park Kickoff activities that JBRPC and NPS organized and hosted, as well as the enjoyment had by all.
