Satellite view of Frank M. Charles Memorial Park
Frank M. Charles Memorial Park is a neighborhood park located in Howard Beach, a section of Queens. It is named after Frank Charles, who though born in Manhattan, grew up in Howard Beach. After living in an orphanage as a young boy, he was adopted by his aunt and uncle, Agnes and Bill Charles. Frank was drafted in World War I and was killed in France on July 21, 1918. In 1926, the American Legion opened a new post in his honor, the Private Frank M. Charles Post #480. The post used The Casino building in the existing William Howard’s Park as its headquarters. The park was renamed Frank M. Charles Memorial Park in 1940 and became part of Gateway National Recreation Area in 1972. Today it is operated by the National Park Service and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. Parking is along the street.
Street parking in the Howard Beach neighborhood
As a neighborhood park, Frank M. Charles Memorial Park offers nothing much of interest to a tourist, though from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend the National Park Service holds walks, talks, and even paddling trips that depart from the park. These aren’t held on a regular basis, and the paddling trips require a reservation, so you must check the National Park Service’s Calendar web page for a schedule.
The park is home to five tennis courts, a basketball court, two sports fields, and a children’s playground. There is a half-mile paved path open to pedestrians and skaters that circles the park. Benches are available for visitors to sit and look out over Jamaica Bay. There is a beach, but no swimming is allowed.
Benches along the half-mile path around Frank Charles Memorial Park
Baseball field at Frank Charles Memorial Park
Fishing is allowed anywhere along the beach area, and this is one of the few places to fish in the Jamaica Bay Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area where you do not need a parking permit. In fact, no special fishing license is required from the National Park Service. However, those 16 and older must enroll in the free New York Recreational Marine Fishing Registry, and all New York State fishing regulations apply.
While there is no specific picnic area, there are a few scattered tables located near the beach, all with views of Jamaica Bay. All spots are taken on a first come, first served basis. If you wish to host a large outing and want to reserve a picnic area, the only one in Jamaica Bay that can be reserved is at Fort Tilden.
Picnic table overlooking Jamaica Bay at Frank Charles Memorial Park
A memorial to the Howard Beach residents who died in all American wars is located on the south end of the park near the bay. In addition to a memorial marker for Frank Charles, there is a specific marker for those who served in the Korean War, and individual markers for those who died.
War memorial at Frank Charles Memorial Park
Commemorative marker for Frank M. Charles
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Last updated on January 4, 2022
