Wednesday, August 5, 2026 – Explore Astoria: Socrates Park Awaits You

By admin

An Unexpected Morning in Astoria

Wednesday,  August 5, 2026

Judith Berdy


Issue # 1725

The plan was simple: take the Q102 bus to the florist on 36th Avenue, grab a coffee and head off to Dollar Tree in Astoria.

I ordered the flowers and asked Carlos the owner for a suggestion for a good cup of coffee.

Little Flower Cafe on the Corner of 28th Street and 36th Avenue was perfect!

When I arrived at Dollar Tree at Broadway and 31 Street, it was closed.  Though looking fully stocked it seemed to be closed “temporarily”.
Resisted temptation for fresh bread from Parisi Baker.

What to do?  Around the corner was the Q104 bus down Broadway to  Vernon Blvd.

It is only a 10 minute ride and there is was in front of Costco.  I really did not want to go shopping so decided to visit Socrates Scultpture Park.

At the entrance is a new structure made out of 8 shipping containers for the offices.

The burgundy color adds class to the utilitarian structure.

Chaikia Bookers tire art decorated the main pathway leading to the waterfront

Pieces of the are everywhere you look.

The artists work at an outdoor workshop for the upcoming fall show.

A paved path leads all around the park, perfect for walking, running and biking. Lovely trees of all varies are lining the lawn.

Walking along the path that I never knew was there. Years ago, at my last visit the park was in rough shape. Now it is landscaped though casual and welcoming to man and beast.

The artists work at an outdoor workshop for the upcoming fall show.

As I was walking north on Vernon Blvd. two workers from City Parks Foundation were preparing to work with neighbors in the waterfront. They were equipped with waders and were exploring on the sandy beach telling all about the marine live along the beachfront. Yes, a beach on Vernon Blvd. (no swimming please)

Yes, a rowboat on the beach just south of the Mark Scuvero scultpure works.
The seagulls were along the beach and enjoying a neihhbor feeding them.

A recently refreshed playgound leads to the NYC Ferry pier and to my voyage home.

A half hour later it was lunch at the Cornell Cafe.

PHOTO OF THE DAY

Socrates has been an official park since
1985, but the battle to make it a park took much longer!

CREDITS

Judith Berdy

All image are copyrighted (c) Roosevelt Island Historical Society unless otherwise indicated
THIS PUBLICATION FUNDED BY DISCRETIONARY FUNDS FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER JULIE MENIN & ROOSEVELT ISLAND OPERATING CORPORATION PUBLIC PURPOSE FUNDS.

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