Floyd Bennett Field
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Jamaica Bay Greenway

Floyd Bennett Field, also, Jamaica Bay Greenway. Gateway National Recreation Area. , Floyd Bennett Field , Floyd Bennett Field was New York's first municipal airport. Long-distance flight was perfected here by men and women such as Howard Hughes, Amelia Earhart, Wiley Post, and Jackie Cochran. During World War II, the airfield became a naval air station. Career opportunities opened up for women and African Americans in the battle against German submarines lurking in the water off the Rockaway Peninsula. Rescuing sailors from the sea using a helicopter and a hoist was first invented and perfected by the US Coast Guard during World War II at Floyd Bennett Field., Enjoy fishing, camping, hiking, kayaking, experiencing history, and more., Places to Explore , ❶ Ryan Visitor Center: A restored 1930s airplane terminal for New York's first municipal airport. Learn about the airport that aviator Amelia Earhart considered "one of the best fields in the east.", ❷ Grow an eggplant and a flowerbed with a community of gardeners. Visit the Ryan Visitor Center to find out about tending a garden plot of your own., ❸ Hike to historic Dead Horse Bay for stunning views of the natural side of New York's Harbor., ❹ Cast your line for striped bass and bluefish, and maybe even hook the elusive weakfish while surfing casting in Jamaica Bay., ❺ Check in at the Ryan Visitor Center for information about regulations and a use permit for the archery range., ❻ Explore helicopters, fire jets, and amphibious airplanes at Hangar B. Stop by the Ryan Visitor Center for more information., Jamaica Bay Greenway , The Jamaica Bay Greenway is a 19-mile loop, multi-use recreational path. It connects the city to more than 10,000 acres of federal, state, and city park land. Destinations such as Floyd Bennett Field, Fort Tilden, Jacob Riis Park, Canarsie Pier, Rockaway Beach, and the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge encourage people to observe and explore., These connected park sites offer many opportunities for healthy outdoor adventures. Biking, hiking, birding, sunbathing, and swimming are some of the activities available for everyone to enjoy. , For more information, go to nps.gov/gate., Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge , Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is a key stop for migrating birds on the Atlantic flyway. The refuge has been a managed natural area since fresh water ponds were created in 1951.