Christopher Morley Park Explained

Christopher Morley Park
Type:	Public
Location:	Roslyn Heights, New York
Area:	98 acres
Created:	1961
Parking:	Yes

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. It occupies 98acres of land, and was once part of the Nettie Ryan Estate. 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
• Paddlball Courts
• Shuffle Board
• Picnic Area
• Fitness Trail

The Knothole

Christopher Morley Park also is home to "The Knothole," Morley's writing studio.^{[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

• Bay Park (Bay Park, New York) – Another major park owned and operated by Nassau County.
• Cantiague Park – Another major park owned and operated by Nassau County.
• Eisenhower Park – Another major park owned and operated by Nassau County.
• North Woodmere Park – Another major park owned and operated by Nassau County.
• Wantagh Park – Another major park owned and operated by Nassau County.

References

1. News: 1963-09-03. Centerpiece for New Park on L.I.; Christopher Morley's Cabin To Be a Memorial in L.I. Park A Latin Inscription. en-US. The New York Times. 2021-06-21. 0362-4331.
2. Web site: Christopher Morley Park Nassau County, NY - Official Website. 2021-06-21. www.nassaucountyny.gov.
3. News: Silver. Roy R.. 1961-06-09. NASSAU WILL BUY ESTATE FOR PARK; 100-Acre Ryan Site in North Hills to Cost $700,000. en-US. The New York Times. 2021-06-22. 0362-4331.
4. Web site: The Knothole. 2021-06-21. Newsday. en. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20210624203618/https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/long-island/museums/the-knothole-1.811095. 2021-06-24.
5. News: Clinton. Audrey. April 6, 1974. A Stroll Through The Christopher Morley Scene. Newsday. ProQuest.
6. News: Group Acts to Save Cabin Morley Used in Roslyn Heights . The New York Times . 18 February 1961 .
7. News: MORLEY STUDIO TO MOVE; Late Author's Workplace to be Preserved in New Park . The New York Times . 21 March 1962 .
8. Web site: Christopher Morley Park | Nassau County, NY - Official Website .