Christopher Morley Park
| Christopher Morley Park | |
|---|---|
The clock tower at Christopher Morley Park on July 22, 2021 | |
Interactive map of Christopher Morley Park | |
| Type | Public |
| Location | North Hills, New York |
| Area | 98 acres |
| Created | 1961 |
| Owned by | Nassau County, New York |
| Operated by | Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums |
| Parking | Yes |
| Website | www |
Christopher Morley Park is a public, Nassau County-owned park in the Incorporated Village of North Hills, on Long Island, New York, United States.
Description
The park first opened in 1961.[1][2] It is named for and dedicated after the late writer Christopher Morley, who lived a few blocks away in Roslyn Estates.[1][2] It occupies 98 acres (40 ha) of land, and was once part of the Nettie Ryan Estate.[1][2] The County of Nassau purchased the estate for roughly $700,000 (1961 USD).[3]
The park contains:
- A dog Park
- Playgrounds
- Walking Paths
- Outdoor Swimming Pools
- A 9-Hole Golf Course
- 3 Ballfields
- Outdoor Ice Skating
- 4 Basketball Courts
- 2 Pickleball Courts
- Paddleball Courts
- Shuffle Board
- Picnic Area
- Fitness Trail [2]
The Knothole
Christopher Morley Park also is home to "The Knothole," Morley's writing studio.[1][4][5] In 1961, a group of local residents wanted to save the Knothole and relocate it to city ground in Roslyn park or on a rented property. The Knothole was located on Morley's past estate, Green Escape, located in Roslyn Estates.[6]
In 1962, a proposal was approved by Nassau County Executive Eugene H. Nickerson to move the Knothole to a county park in North Hills.[7] In 1966, the Knothole was transported to the park, which itself bears Morley's Name. The renovated Knothole includes built-in bookshelves, a fireplace and a bunkbed. The Knothole's "dymaxion" bathroom was designed in 1936 by Morley's friend, Buckminster Fuller, the renowned scientist and inventor.[8]
See also
- Bay Park (Bay Park, New York) – Another major park owned and operated by Nassau County.
- Cantiague Park – Another major park owned and operated by Nassau County.
- Eisenhower Park – Another major park owned and operated by Nassau County.
- Wantagh Park – Another major park owned and operated by Nassau County.
References
- ^ a b c d "Centerpiece for New Park on L.I.; Christopher Morley's Cabin To Be a Memorial in L.I. Park A Latin Inscription". The New York Times. 1963-09-03. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-06-21.
- ^ a b c d "Christopher Morley Park | Nassau County, NY – Official Website". www.nassaucountyny.gov. Retrieved 2021-06-21.
- ^ Silver, Roy R. (1961-06-09). "Nassau Will Buy Estate for ParkK; 100-Acre Ryan Site in North Hills to Cost $700,000". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-06-22.
- ^ "The Knothole". Newsday. Archived from the original on 2021-06-24. Retrieved 2021-06-21.
- ^ Clinton, Audrey (April 6, 1974). "A Stroll Through The Christopher Morley Scene". Newsday. ].
- ^ "Group Acts to Save Cabin Morley Used in Roslyn Heights". The New York Times. 18 February 1961.
- ^ "Morley Studio to Move; Late Author's Workplace to be Preserved in New Park". The New York Times. 21 March 1962.
- ^ "Christopher Morley Park | Nassau County, NY – Official Website".