Forest Park Drive runs from Forest Parkway, through Forest Park.  It splits into two directions, one leading into the Jackie Robinson Parkway (formerly the Interboro), the other through Forest Park, past the Seuffert Bandshell, to Metropolitan Avenue.  This post focuses on the portion east of Woodhaven Boulevard (the red portion below).

We got an early start on the road, starting at about 6:45.  The sun was already coming up strong, breaking through the trees.  This road is closed to through traffic 24-7, with the exception of the occasional Parks Department truck or NYPD car.  There are usually a good number of joggers, walkers, dog walkers and bicyclists -- but it's rarely crowded.  A nice peaceful walk.

There are a number of slight hills throughout.  The street is better suited for walking than the sidewalk, which is broken and cracked in spots.  Up ahead is the bridge that crosses Myrtle at Freedom Drive.

There are a good number of benches along the way, great spots to sit and enjoy the nice peaceful environment.

More rays of sunshine - it was a beautiful morning for a walk.

The sun, a little higher and straight ahead.  The sidewalk on the right is a little higher and behind the grass.

As you get closer to the mid-point, you come across a field of tall pines.  It's a beautiful spot and there's a road which brings you down to the Buddy Memorial.  This is where the Richmond Hill Block Association holds their annual Park Fair, which will be held on Saturday, September 21st this year.

I posted a similar picture on Facebook this morning (taken with my cell phone).  This is a better shot, showing how protected you are from the sun - the leaves providing a natural canopy.

The LIRR tracks, looking East, taken from a bridge on the Greenway that crosses it.  The route we ended up taking would lead us to that bridge, which is right along Park Lane South.

And here is the view looking West.

There are signs throughout the trail -- including some nice maps showing you the wooded trails.  We'll tackle those trails another day.

Here's a nice friendly pup named Jeter we had the pleasure to meet near the end of the trail.

The Greenway continues towards the GCP across Metropolitan Avenue.  We had the option of turning back or taking another route home, along Metropolitan, Park Lane South and Myrtle.  We chose the latter so we could get some alternate views.

Another view of the end of the trail -- these poles have been here for decades.  I hadn't been here in a long time, but seeing these brought back memories.

Raoul Wallenberg Square, at the corner of Metropolitan Avenue and Park Lane South (click here for more information).  It was still well before 8 AM and quiet here.  This is a nice gathering spot for residents in the nearby apartment buildings and the Parks Department often holds events for children here.

Here is one of the few pictures I took today, Mrs. PW taking a turn in front of the camera way on the other side of the square.  A beautiful spot.

Here is a marker dedicating the square to Mr. Wallenberg, a brave man.

The walk along Park Lane South in Kew Gardens and Richmond Hill revealed many natural entrances to the park.  These all lead to Forest Park Drive / Brooklyn-Queens Greenway.

The view along Park Lane South entering Richmond Hill. 

Here we cross the LIRR tracks again.  There was a fence which made it hard to take pictures - but you can see the bridge we were on earlier in the background.  A small distance between the two spots, but it took us a while to get from there to here!

Here's a nice path off of Park Lane South, a little overgrown but real pretty. 

The intersection of Myrtle and Park Lane South is just ahead.  We took a nice break at this park and enjoyed the shade. 

Here is the Buddy Monument (click here for history/background).  The 102nd Precinct will hold their Night Out Against Crime event here on the evening of Tuesday, August 6th, 2013.

The view inside the gates of the Jackson Pond Playground.

The view down Myrtle Avenue.  Our morning walk was coming to an end.

Here is Freedom Drive - making a left here would bring you to 102nd Street and Park Lane South.  Up ahead is the bridge we crossed (seen in the 2nd picture of this update).

And the last picture of our walk, taken beneath the overpass.  It was a long walk for us, our feet were tired and we were ready for breakfast!

If you have any comments, or would like to suggest other projects, drop us a line at info@projectwoodhaven.com or projectwoodhaven@aol.com.  

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Photos by Joey Wendell