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Christopher Morley Park

Christopher Morley Park is a public, Nassau County-owned park in North Hills, New York.

Description

The park first opened in 1961.[1][2] It is named for and dedicated after the late writer Christopher Morley, who lived a few blocks away in Roslyn Estates.[1][2] It occupies 98 acres (40 ha) of land, and was once part of the Nettie Ryan Estate.[1][2] The County of Nassau purchased the estate for roughly $700,000 (1961 USD).[3]

The park contains

  • Dog Park
  • Playgrounds
  • Walking Paths
  • Outdoor Swimming Pools
  • A 9 Hole Golf Course
  • 3 Baseball/Softball Fields
  • Outdoor Ice Skating
  • 4 Basketball Courts
  • 2 Pickleball Courts
  • Paddleball Courts
  • Shuffle Board
  • Picnic Area
  • Fitness Trail [2]

The Knothole

Christopher Morley Park also is home to "The Knothole," Morley's writing studio.[1][4][5] In 1961, a group of local residents wanted to save the Knothole and relocate it to city ground in Roslyn park or on a rented property. The Knothole was located on Mr. Morley’s past estate.[6] In 1962, a proposal was approved by Nassau County Executive Eugene H. Nickerson to move the Knothole to a county park in North Hills.[7] In 1966, the Knothole was transferred to the park, now called Christopher Morley Park. The renovated Knothole includes built-in bookshelves, a fireplace and a bunkbed. The Knothole's "dymaxion" bathroom was designed in 1936 by Morley's friend, Buckminster Fuller, the renowned scientist and inventor.[8]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Centerpiece for New Park on L.I.; Christopher Morley's Cabin To Be a Memorial in L.I. Park A Latin Inscription". The New York Times. 1963-09-03. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-06-21.
  2. ^ a b c d "Christopher Morley Park | Nassau County, NY - Official Website". www.nassaucountyny.gov. Retrieved 2021-06-21.
  3. ^ Silver, Roy R. (1961-06-09). "NASSAU WILL BUY ESTATE FOR PARK; 100-Acre Ryan Site in North Hills to Cost $700,000". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-06-22.
  4. ^ "The Knothole". Newsday. Archived from the original on 2021-06-24. Retrieved 2021-06-21.
  5. ^ Clinton, Audrey (April 6, 1974). "A Stroll Through The Christopher Morley Scene". Newsday – via ProQuest.
  6. ^ "Group Acts to Save Cabin Morley Used in Roslyn Heights". The New York Times. 18 February 1961.
  7. ^ "MORLEY STUDIO TO MOVE; Late Author's Workplace to be Preserved in New Park". The New York Times. 21 March 1962.
  8. ^ "Christopher Morley Park | Nassau County, NY - Official Website".

40°47′5″N 73°39′42″W / 40.78472°N 73.66167°W / 40.78472; -73.66167