Moore Homestead Playground

1954 - present

Around the early 1900s, most of the Moore estate was sold off as building lots, but the homestead remained in the family until it was acquired by the Board of Transportation during subway construction in 1930. The buildings were demolished in 1933, and the land was transferred to NYC Parks. In 1954, the site became Elmhurst Playground, contributing to the creation of vital recreational space in the neighborhood and reflecting broader urban planning efforts. In 1987, the playground was renamed Moore Homestead Playground in honor of the Moore homestead and Clement Clarke Moore (1779–1863), best known for writing "A Visit from St. Nicholas" ("The Night Before Christmas"). In 2020, the park underwent a major redesign under the Parks Without Borders initiative, which improved accessibility, upgraded play areas, increased biodiversity, and expanded recreational opportunities for children and families in Queens. For example, the park serves as a site of cultural resistance for the Tibetan community, where members gather to dance gorshey and actively preserve their heritage in the face of cultural erasure. Moore Homestead Playground continues to reflect community-driven efforts to enhance public spaces for future generations.

The Moore Homestead, 45th Avenue and Broadway, in Elmhurst.
Renovated Moore Homestead Park.
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Details

Category
Playground
Audience
All Ages
Corporate Body
New York City Department of Parks & Recreation
Tags
arts, community, outdoor, play, recreation

Location

  • 8202 Broadway, Flushing, NY 11373, USA
    1954 - present

References

  1. "Moore Homestead Playground." NYC Parks, City of New York, https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/moore-homestead-playground/history.
  2. Venugopal, Arun. "Tibetan Cultural Resistance in Queens, with Help from TikTok and YouTube." Gothamist, 4 Sept. 2023, https://gothamist.com/news/tibetan-cultural-resistance-in-queens-with-help-from-tiktok-and-youtube.
  3. Dorgan, Michael. "$5.2 Million Revamp of a Playground in Elmhurst Complete, Officials Hold Ribbon Cutting Event." Jackson Heights Post, 12 Aug. 2021, https://jacksonheightspost.com/5-2-million-revamp-of-a-playground-in-elmhurst-complete-officials-hold-ribbon-cutting-event.