Exterior of the new boathouse (Photo courtesy of HPPC)
Oct. 24, 2023 By Czarinna Andres
A new boathouse that focuses on environmental sustainability and recreation will officially open in Long Island City this week.
The Queens Landing Boathouse & Environmental Center, located at 57-28 2nd St., is opening Wednesday, Oct. 25, and represents a partnership between the Hunters Point Parks Conservancy (HPPC) and the Gotham Organization, the company that developed the building.
The boathouse is part of the Hunters Point South development at Gotham Point and aims to provide recreational boating opportunities for both children and adults. Additionally, it will host a variety of events throughout the year and provide educational classes focused on environmental sustainability.
The event is set to begin at 11 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Notable figures including Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, City Council Member Julie Won, HPPC President Rob Basch and representatives from the Newtown Creek Alliance are expected to make remarks.
Activities at the center will range from group kayak tours — which will start Oct. 28 — to educational classes aimed at youth and school groups. These classes will encompass topics from environmental education to the local ecology. Furthermore, the center will also feature nature walks and arts-based environmental programs, offering insights into local wildlife, migrating birds and the ecology of Newtown Creek.
Beginner kayakers being shown proper paddling at the boathouse ramp (Photo courtesy of HPPC)
Nature journaling class (Photo HPPC)
“The unveiling of the Queens Landing Boathouse & Environmental Center is a significant step towards promoting environmental sustainability in the area,” said Bryan Kelly, president of development at Gotham Organization.
He emphasized the importance of the partnership with HPPC in ensuring that the center aligns with the environmental ethos of the community.
Echoing his sentiments, a representative from HPPC mentioned their commitment to enhancing the waterfront parks in Hunters Point. The aim is to cultivate an appreciation for local waterways and inspire proactive measures to conserve the environment.
Adjacent parks, namely Hunters Point South Park and Gantry Plaza State Park, play pivotal roles in promoting environmental resiliency and sustainability in the community. Their features, including tidal salt marshes and native vegetation, are vital for the habitat of native species and also safeguard against environmental hazards like storm surges.
For those interested in exploring the Queens Landing Boathouse & Environmental Center, more details and a schedule of upcoming events can be found at hunterspointparks.org.
Large canoe at Newtown Creek (Photo courtesy of HPPC)
