"Oakland Lake is a breath of fresh air in the middle of New York City," said Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. "And just in time to take in the fall foliage reflecting on its calm waters, visitors can now enjoy restored pathways and new native plantings. We're thankful to Borough President Katz and the City Council for supporting one of Queens' most pristine natural areas."

"Oakland Lake has provided Queens residents and visitors with an oasis of tranquility in the midst of our densely populated Borough and City," said Queens Borough President Melinda Katz. "This $1.6 million reconstruction project has enhanced Oakland Lake into an even more pleasant experience for our growing families."

"Oakland Lake is a gem in our community," said U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens). "This beautiful and tranquil spot located in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Queens, is enjoyed by local residents throughout the year, and the upgraded pathways and new plantings will make that experience even better. As a resident of the area, I cannot wait to take advantage of these improvements, and I thank the Parks Department, Borough President and City Council for making them happen."

"I recently visited Oakland Lake, and was impressed with the tremendous job that the Parks Department has done with the reconstruction," said Assemblyman Edward C. Braunstein. "It is critical that we continue to maintain all of our green spaces, and I would like to thank the Office of the Borough President and the New York City Council for providing the funding for this project."

The project was funded with $1.1 million allocated by the Borough President and an additional $500,000 from the City Council. Work consisted of reconstructing portions of the pathway around the lake, and installing stone swales and drywells to collect water seeping from surrounding slopes and divert the water from the path. In addition, invasive phragmites were cut back and replaced by new native wetland plantings, the stream bed was re-established, drainage systems cleaned, and the slope was stabilized with boulders.

Oakland Lake is a 15,000-year-old spring-fed glacial kettle pond located in Queens' Alley Pond Park. The Lake is home to fish, including bluegill carp, perch, and bass. The natural diversity of the area also attracts birds, such as cardinals, dark-eyed juncos, mallards and scaup ducks, in addition to hundreds of migratory birds.

In July 2011, NYC Parks and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) completed a $2.5 million capital improvement project to restore the lake. The multi-phase project, part of DEP's expanded Bluebelt program in Queens, included restoration and repair of the park's perimeters, lake shoreline, ravines and side slopes, the planting of thousands of new trees, new recreational opportunities, and the installation of storm sewers in the streets near the park to better control stormwater runoff and avoid erosion.

Join in 2016: Low-cost membership includes access to more than 30 facilities, 12 indoor pools, and fitness, arts, and technology programming

Whether you are looking to get fit, learn a new skill, or fulfill a New Year's resolution, NYC Parks Recreation Centers can help you meet your goals. NYC Parks Recreation Centers are more than just gyms, they include activities intended to help you stay healthy and make friends with your neighbors. A low-cost annual membership gives you a passport to amenities around the five boroughs like indoor pools, tracks, dance studios, art studios, games rooms, and computer classrooms and addition to gymnasiums, weight rooms and cardio equipment. Our 36 centers offer a wide range of programs for seniors, adults and children, including fitness and sports, afterschool programming for children ages 6 to 13, teen programs for youth 14 to 17, computer access and instruction, as well as a variety of leisure activities.

"Our Recreation Centers are more than just gyms - they're as much about body building as they are about community building," said Commissioner Silver. "Membership gives you access to everything from roller skating to racquetball, table tennis to woodworking. And with free membership for kids under 18, it's easy for the whole family to join."

Since 1910, NYC Parks has provided the most affordable and extensive network of recreational services throughout New York City. Today, Recreation Centers remain hubs of many New York City neighborhoods. NYC Parks offers affordable membership rates at centers citywide, with annual memberships as low as $100 for adults, $25 for seniors and young adults, and free memberships for youth under the age of 18.

In November 2015, NYC Parks opened its newest recreation center, the Ocean Breeze Track & Field Athletic Complex. This state of the art facility is the only indoor track and field venue in the nation to be certified by the International Association of Athletics Federation, Ocean Breeze features a 200 meter Mondo track, as well as two long jump pits, one pole vault, a high jump, and two weight throwing areas.

Links:
* Best of New York City's Recreation Centers
* Membership Rates and Facility information