Park Spotlight: Gerry Pond Park

Website: roslynlandmarks.org
Address: 10 Papermill Rd, Roslyn, NY 11576

Gerry Pond Park has been a source of grounding for me over the past few years. I am a frequent visitor to the park, along with my dog Mochi, who also loves roaming the expansive fields and eyeing the geese wandering about. Gerry Pond Park is registered in the National Register of Historic Places, meaning that the park has deep historical significance, lending to its preservation. The Roslyn Landmark Society  archives depicts the rich history of Main Street, Roslyn during the early 1900s when the park was first built.  Even when looking at old maps of Roslyn during the late 1800s, the ponds definitely played a huge role in the landscape of the village. ​There was already a vibrant community of people who lived there, and possibly enjoyed the area of Gerry Pond Park the same way that we do.

To see a map of The Village of Roslyn during the 1870s, click here. ​
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The picturesque pond that is filled with many geese and ducks throughout the year.

Early Spring: A Moment of Renewal

A Cornelian Cherry Tree.

The flowers up close.

The natural beauty of Gerry Pond Park is enhanced by all the gorgeous wildlife and plants that inhabit it. As the seasons evolve throughout the year, the park takes on various shapes and forms. The foliage during early spring is just beginning to poke its head. There are seldom any flowers or leaves yet, but there are still some wonderful surprises that leave one feeling optimistic about the season. There are still a lot of decaying piles of twigs and leaves everywhere, but there is something poetic about seeing the start of the season through Gerry Pond Park. Plants are dying and coming back to life, seemingly all within the same span of time.

​"In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." –John Muir

Almost every time I have visited Gerry Pond Park, there have been a ton of birds to admire. The waterfowl, in particular, have definitely made the ponds their home. A flock of Canada geese and mallards are sure to greet you upon your arrival. It's really beautiful to see the behavior of these birds. They're roaming free on the grounds without a care in the world.

Late Autumn: A Moment of Reflection

The first time I had visited Gerry Pond Park.

My first visit to Gerry Pond Park was in the autumn, with colorful trees painting the landscape of the park. The colors reflecting on the pond looked like brush strokes. In that moment, I understood what made this park so special. It's surreal to think that this place was once a marshy swamp, although some remnants of that history do remain especially when you see pits of water and cat tails poking through tall grass. 

This park was essentially brought to life by George H. Robertson, who began fundraising in 1929 to build it. He was a racing driver who had won the Vanderbilt Cup in 1908 which was held on the Long Island Motor Parkway.  Unfortunately, he  had to retire after sustaining an injury in 1910. The creation of Gerry Pond Park was just one of his accomplishments. 

It's powerful to think how one decision could change so much. If George didn't have the confidence to share his ideas about the park, who knows what it could have turned into. It's important that we lead with confidence, especially in our ideas no matter how big or small.

Photo of a young George H. Robertson (www.vanderbiltcupraces.com)

Photo of George's crash (www.vanderbiltcupraces.com/)

Colorful fall foliage peaking out from the green.

Close up of a yellowing tree.

Although Gerry Park does have a trail, I find that some of the most beautiful moments in the park are when I am off the beaten path. There are streams that sound so peaceful, benches hidden in corners, and pieces of history waiting to be discovered. The park is an ode to all things Roslyn, and each and every time I visit, it really does feel like the very first time.

Mochi's Favorite Place

I can't talk about Gerry Pond Park without mentioning it's biggest fan, my dog Mochi. The park is so inclusive of dogs, and every time we stop by Mochi senses the park with excitement. I think it's also one of his favorite places too! He loves watching the geese, smelling the grass, and taking breaks to admire the pond.