Roy Wilkins Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Located in Queens, New York, Roy Wilkins Park is a well-known recreational area that offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages.
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Summary
Here is a summary that highlights the reasons to visit, points of interest, interesting facts, and the best time of year to plan your visit, verified across multiple independent sources.
Reasons to Visit:
1. Recreation: Roy Wilkins Park provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, including picnicking, walking, jogging, and sports.
2. Cultural Events: The park hosts numerous cultural events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating the diverse communities of Queens.
3. Family-friendly Environment: With spacious areas, playgrounds, and open fields, the park is an ideal place for families to spend quality time together.
4. Historical Significance: Roy Wilkins Park was named after Roy Wilkins, a prominent civil rights leader, making it a significant location for honoring his contributions.
Points of Interest:
1. Roy Wilkins Recreation Center: This facility houses a swimming pool, basketball courts, and fitness areas, providing opportunities for indoor activities.
2. Gardens and Green Spaces: The park features beautifully landscaped gardens, offering a serene environment for relaxation and leisurely strolls.
3. Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Education Center: Adjacent to the park, this memorial serves as a tribute to civil rights activists Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz.
Interesting Facts:
1. Roy Wilkins Park covers approximately 54 acres of land in Queens, New York.
2. The park was initially established in 1979 and has since become a popular recreational destination for locals and tourists alike.
3. It is managed by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, ensuring the maintenance and preservation of the park's facilities.
Best Time of Year to Visit:
The ideal time to visit Roy Wilkins Park is during the warmer months, typically from late spring to early fall (May to October). During this time, the weather is pleasant, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the outdoor activities and events hosted in the park.
Please note that it is always advisable to check the latest information, including park hours and events, through official sources or the official website of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, to ensure accurate and up-to-date details for your visit.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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