Construction Begins On Long-Awaited Path Through Forest Park

GLENDALE, QUEENS — The city has begun work on a long-awaited bike and pedestrian path through Forest Park, linking Glendale and Woodhaven, though the path's southern terminus connects to neighborhoods that are basically void of bike lanes.

Construction on the $4 million path, which will span from Myrtle Avenue and Forest Park Drive in Glendale to the Seuffert Bandshell Parking Lot in Woodhaven, began at the end of Sept., though the project has been in the works since 2017, records show.

The renovations will turn a shoulder near a Jackie Robinson Parkway off-ramp into a sidewalk-width road for cyclists and pedestrians that runs to the bandshell parking lot, where it will split into separate roads for bikers and walkers.

Although the project could render the picnic area near the bandshell unusable until next Sept., when the Parks Department expects it will be complete, the project will upgrade that area too, adding new picnic tables, grills, and coal bins.

That Woodhaven-facing entrance will also include extra seating and fitness equipment, plus the redesign will add security lighting along a stretch of Forest Park Drive.

“I’m glad this project is moving forward. Our parks are very precious throughout the city, especially in this district," said Central Queens City Council Member, Bob Holden in a statement reported by the Queens Chronicle.

While street safety advocates agree that the path is an upgrade, some told the Chronicle that they are still worried about how difficult it is to walk or bike in most other parts of the park.

“With the nearby Jackie Robinson Parkway and Woodhaven Boulevard, Forest Park remains inaccessible to the people the park should serve. NYC DOT must amplify the new bike path by creating a network of protected bike lanes to the park," said Juan Restrepo from Transportation Alternatives in a statement, alluding to the lack of bike lanes south of the park.

A five ZIP code stretch of southern Queens that abuts the park, and largely spans Hispanic and South Asian communities, contain no bike lanes or shared lanes, the Queens Chronicle reported.