Crocheron and John Golden Park in Queens has a rich history that has transitioned from a hotspot for gangsters and escaped inmates to a thriving arboretum, the only public one in the borough. With more than 30 species of trees, including an imposing ginkgo tree tied to Boss Tweed, the park has become a destination for the community. Jessica Burke, the founder of the Friends of Crocheron and John Golden Park, played a key role in obtaining an ArbNet Accreditation for the greenspace, making it a Level 1 arboreta – only one of the few in the city.
Being dubbed as a “tree museum,” Crocheron Park is the only public park in Queens with such accreditation. This prestigious status is shared with rare few other greenspaces in the city, including privately run establishments like Queens Botanical Garden and Forest Hills Gardens. The park boasts a variety of tree species throughout its 64 acres, including the historic ginkgo tree that has witnessed major events in history. The park’s rich history, including connections to Boss Tweed and its transformation from seedy past to lush arboretum, adds to its allure.
The park’s history dates back to the purchase of the land in 1924, followed by an expansion in 1955. Despite its rich history, Crocheron and John Golden Park had somewhat faded from the public eye until the recent accreditation and preservation efforts led by Burke and the Friends group. With the multilingual tree identification tags and plans for further accreditation, the park is gaining momentum in attracting visitors and potential resources for further growth and maintenance. The hope is that the park’s enhanced visibility will help secure more funding from the city’s Parks Department.
With only 0.5% of the city’s budget allocated to Parks, the department faces challenges in maintaining nearly 30,000 acres of parkland across the five boroughs. The efforts by groups like the Friends of Crocheron and John Golden Park are crucial in ensuring the preservation and enhancement of these green spaces. Through continuous planting of new trees and community engagement, the park is looking towards future accreditations and initiatives to further solidify its position as a vital arboretum in Queens. The support and collaboration from the community, coupled with city funding, will be essential in realizing these goals.
The park serves as a witness to significant historical events, including Boss Tweed’s escape and eventual capture. As a locale that once housed seedy establishments and mobster hangouts, the transformation into a curated arboretum showcases the potential for revitalization and preservation of urban green spaces. The meticulous curation of tree species, events, and future planning indicate a thoughtful approach to maintaining the park’s natural heritage while promoting community engagement. Crocheron and John Golden Park’s journey from its checkered past to its accredited present highlights the importance of sustainable stewardship and community involvement in preserving urban green spaces for future generations.
