The southern tip of Broad Channel island, now known as American Park, has a history all its own.
Now covered by ball fields, play areas, small dunes, fishing spots and slip of a beach, it’s part of the New York City Parks Department.
From 1927 into the 1940’s the Broad Channel Baths operated two gigantic swimming pools, tennis and handball courts, bathhouses, a baseball field and more there.
This photo provided by resident Dorothy Fraher shows the Broad Channel Day Camp, which took over the spot in the late ‘40’s.
“The Day Camp and the bridge can be seen in the upper left - and Adams/Schmidt boat yard on right; then the houses and canals down to West 13th Road,” Fraher noted. “(There are) boats moored in the middle, when that was still allowed.”
The day camp’s many buildings can be seen here. A three alarm fire burned many of them down in 1994, although the camp itself had closed years before.
Quite a few people also happily remember the carousel which was just to right of the bridge entrance, offCross Bay Boulevard.
The Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge opened in 1939. It was completely rebuilt, raised and reopened in 1970.
The large area of the marina, now known as Sunset Cove, is being developed into an ecological marine habitat, a park and storm buffer for the island.
Fraher said about her rare aerial photographic find, “I think this is from the late 50’s or early 60’s.”
Have more details about this photo or the places in it?
The Wave would like to know.
E-mail Dan@rockawave.com.
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