Astoria Park — Attraction in New York

I’ve always had a soft spot for Astoria Park—its sweeping river views, the RFK Bridge overhead, and that perfect blend of city energy and green tranquility. But our recent company event there reminded me how even the most beloved places can fall short when major construction takes center stage.

We held a team gathering at the park just last week, hoping to enjoy an afternoon outdoors, reconnecting away from the store and sharing a bit of community. The intention was solid, but the experience was clearly impacted by the ongoing work throughout the park.

Construction Disruptions

Shore Boulevard, once one of the park’s most picturesque stretches, is now a full-blown construction corridor. The Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) project has essentially taken over that side of the park. Vehicular traffic is off-limits, and while pedestrian access technically exists, it felt like we were navigating a maze of detours and fencing. The hum of machinery and visual clutter definitely undercut the calm we were hoping for.

On top of that, the Great Lawn Pathways—a spot we were counting on for setting up picnic-style seating—was closed off for a major renovation project. The fencing cut right through where we would’ve normally spread out, and we had to rethink everything from logistics to seating on the fly.

The Good Still There

To be fair, Astoria Park hasn’t lost its bones. The trees are still lush, the views still expansive, and there’s a familiarity that keeps you rooted in the neighborhood. We made it work, because that’s what teams do—but there was a collective sense that the space wasn’t living up to its potential right now.

Looking Ahead

The improvements sound worthwhile—upgraded pathways, a cleaner power supply to NYC, even a proposed 26-story residential tower nearby that speaks to the park’s growing value. But right now, Astoria Park is caught between what it was and what it’s trying to become. It’s not quite the haven it’s been in the past.

Final Thought

If you’re planning a quiet afternoon, a run, or—like us—a company event, you might want to wait until these projects wrap. The spirit of Astoria Park is still there, but it’s hidden behind too many fences at the moment.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 – Still a community gem, just not shining as...

Astoria Park is a public park located in the Astoria neighborhood of Queens, New York. Here is a brief review of the park:

Pros:

Scenic Views: Astoria Park offers stunning views of the East River and the Manhattan skyline, making it a great place to enjoy a beautiful sunset or take scenic photos. Sports Facilities: The park has many sports facilities, including basketball and tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a track, making it a great place for sports enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite activities. Picnic and BBQ Areas: The park has several picnic and BBQ areas, making it a great place to gather with friends and family for a fun day out. Cons:

Limited Parking: The park has limited parking, making it difficult to find a spot during peak hours. Crowded: The park can get crowded on weekends and holidays, especially during the summer months, making it difficult to find a spot to relax and enjoy the scenery. Poor Maintenance: Some areas of the park may not be well-maintained, with litter and debris sometimes visible on the ground. Overall, Astoria Park is a great place to enjoy scenic views, play sports, and have a picnic or BBQ with friends and family. While it may be crowded and some areas may not be well-maintained, the park's beautiful views and variety of offerings make it a worthwhile destination for locals and...

Another gem in NYC. A great walk from end to end. So many scenic views you forget where you are. Astoria park follows the East River and has stunning views of multiple bridges as well as an Amtrak bridge and Randall's Island. There's wide open bike lanes that allow safe walking/running for pedestrians as well. There's a soccer field surrounded by a running rack, tennis courts, basketball courts with 2 full court runs and a few half court set ups, a swimming pool (still closed for the season), a playground, a skate park and im probably missing more. There are also several smaller parks in the area to suit every park goer's needs(for example, this park doesn't have handball courts but multiple in the area do). There's plenty of picnic space though I surprisingly didn't see anyone cooking out. There's a decent parking lot which we easily found parking on a sunny 80 degree Sunday afternoon. My only complaint, I didn't see any concession stands or store fronts in the park. Though there are several deli's in the area. I like having options to buy water or Granola bars if I forget them. Overall a must visit NYC Park. Simply for the views. Will be returning despite having to pay tolls...