Floyd Bennett Field
A historic airfield and recreational park on Jamaica Bay
A point of departure for record-breaking flights of famous aviators, including Amelia Earhart and Howard Hughes, Floyd Bennett Field -- part of Gateway National Recreation Area -- opened in 1931 as New York's first municipal airport. This storied area is now open to the public. It offers visitors the chance to learn about the history of aviation and escape from the nearby hustle of the city.
Floyd Bennett Field was built originally on Barren Island in Jamaica Bay, and was later connected to the mainland with landfill under the guidance of Robert Moses. The airfield was named for naval aviator and Brooklyn resident Floyd Bennett, who was the first person to fly over the North Pole. After serving as the city's municipal airport, Floyd Bennett Field was converted to a Naval Air Station in 1941. It was the most active airport in the United States during World War II, and it has an important place in the history of military aviation.
The historic control tower and terminal at Floyd Bennett Field has been converted into the site's visitor 's center. From the top of the tower, enjoy a spectacular view of Floyd Bennett Field and Jamaica Bay. Exhibits and interpretive programs celebrate the people and historical events connected with Floyd Bennett Field. The runways are now popular with model airplane enthusiasts and cyclists while acres of restored grassy fields give nature lovers a chance to explore the wildlife in their own back yards.
