What Improvements Do We Need at Little Neck Bay?

The winter of 2012 has been mild, with temperatures this past week finally dropping to the numbers with which we’re familiar. Freezing weather was not a deterrent for many Bayside residents who braved the cold to exercise along the Cross Island Parkway's bike path.

The three-mile stretch along the parkway, also known as , is one of Bayside’s most notable features for outdoor enthusiasts. I had the opportunity to speak with people about improvements they’d like to see along the path.  

Kris and Josephine Doherty moved to Bayside in 1976. The bay influenced their decision to move from Elmhurst and they said they love the water, nature and fishing. The couple and their dog, Tonka, use the path several times each week for walking.

During our conversation, Josephine gestured to Little Bay Park behind us and said she remembered when it was just a dirt path. The park and bike path have come a long way since then, but there are definitely improvements to be made.

The Dohertys mentioned broken lights and lack of a restroom as their primary complaints for the area, but Josephine also had another suggestion. As avid bird watchers, “Plaques along the way to make people aware of the wildlife here would be nice,” she said.

During the course of our conversation, I wondered what other signs might help people utilize features of the marina and bike path. When speaking with Julie Nayar, I asked if she ever used the water for boating or swimming.

“Never,” she said, “It just looks dirty and I’ve lived here long enough to know.”

She may be right. The Little Neck Bay is fed by the East River. After periods of intense rainfall, large amounts of urban storm water runoff flow into the bay. This runoff often includes sewage and high levels of fecal coliform bacteria, making the water unsafe to swim in for several days after a rainstorm.

Although the new Alley Creek Tank was implemented by the Department of Environmental Protection to prevent sewage overflow, increased signage about daily water quality information would be a great way to increase awareness and usage of the water. 

Aside from swimming, I have owned a kayak for years and only recently discovered that I can use it on the bay.

The New York City Parks Department’s website lists the Little Bay Park beach as one entry point for kayakers. This particular site offers great vantage points for , the and Whitestone Bridges as well as salt marshes and the Civil War Battery.

Another entry point for kayakers is a small, unmarked and rocky trail off the 28th avenue bridge. The Alley Pond wetlands and Udalls Cove are a must see when leaving from this location.

Increased signage about kayak entry points, sights to see from the water and seasonal tide schedules would be very helpful for small craft boaters. Seasonal permits for kayaks are available from the Parks Department for $15. Before paddling, be sure to read the list of safety information provided by the Parks Department. 

The Cross Island bike path and Little Bay Park have added some wonderful features in recent years, including a new dog run and a full summer schedule of fitness classes in the rink. Cold winter months are a great time to voice opinions and suggestions for improvement. To submit ideas for improvements you’d like to see made to New York City Parks, you can click here and fill out the form provided.

In the meantime, enjoy the mild winter weather and take advantage of the Cross Island bike paths' “off season,” during which a decrease in foot traffic makes it easy to stroll and observe some of the marina’s natural elements. The Audubon Society advises fowl like the American Black Duck, Pied-billed Grebe and Common Loons can be seen along the water during cold winter months.

Kristin Allocco was raised in Bayside and works for the Queens Farm Museum. She also teaches fitness and dance classes. Sustainability is her lifestyle and her living, and she's more than willing to share best practices.