People come to Cunningham Park from all over Queens to play sports, enjoy outdoor performances and screenings such as the New York Philharmonic, Hip to Hip Theater Company and Movies Under the Stars, and attend a variety of other cultural events. Regulars speak of gathering at the “core” area, which comprises about one-fourth of the park’s acreage, for bocce tournaments, tennis matches and basketball and soccer games. Parents can drop their children off at the day camp inside the park and then eat a picnic lunch at the wooden tables. Visitors stroll through the Grand Allee, a beautiful walkway flanked by sweet gum trees, jog on the Vanderbilt path, or join weekly baseball or soccer games. In addition, visitors jog and walk on the track and through the path in the Kissena Corridor. Sports facilities include 20 tennis courts (10 outside/10 inside), two bocce courts, two full basketball courts, two cricket fields, two soccer fields and 25 baseball diamonds. Permits are required to use the tennis courts, cricket courts and all baseball fields.
Stop by the district headquarters at Union Turnpike and 199th Street for a map of acceptable barbecuing and picnic areas.
For information about obtaining permits or to find out how to get in touch with baseball, softball or soccer leagues that play in the park, visit the NYC Parks website, or contact the Queens Borough Permit Office at (718) 393-7272.
