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Kissena - Queens - NYC

I’ve only just begun my explorations of Kissena. I will be returning in the near future for a dedicated tour of the neighborhood, so please keep checking the Updates page and my YouTube channel!

Kissena has a long southern border with the park that shares its name. To the northwest is Downtown Flushing. To the north is Murray Hill and to the northeast is Auburndale.

Kissena slideshow (Coming Soon):

The Neighborhood

Kissena gets its name from the park that shares its southern border. This neighborhood is quiet, with curving, tree-lined streets.

Kissena is a culturally diverse neighborhood located in the eastern part of Queens, New York City. The area is bordered by Flushing to the west, Fresh Meadows to the south, and Pomonok to the east. Kissena's name comes from Kissena Lake, which is located in Kissena Park. This beautiful park offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The neighborhood is predominantly residential, with a mix of attached and detached homes and apartment buildings. The Kissena Boulevard commercial corridor provides residents with plenty of shopping and dining options. Kissena is also home to Queens College, one of the top-ranked public universities in New York City. With access to public transportation and proximity to major highways, Kissena is a great choice for those looking for a suburban-like feel within city limits.

The neighborhood of Kissena, Queens got its name from the freshwater Kissena Creek which flows through the area. The word "Kissena" is derived from the Algonquin language and means "it is dried up" or "it is finished". The creek was an important source of fresh water for the indigenous tribes that lived in the area, including the Matinecock and the Lenape. The creek was also used for transportation and fishing. Today, Kissena Park, which borders the creek, is a popular recreational destination, offering activities such as hiking, biking, and birdwatching.

Kissena is a quaint and peaceful neighborhood in Queens, New York, that has a rich history dating back to the early 1600s when it was inhabited by the Matinecock Native Americans. The neighborhood's name is derived from a Lenape word meaning "it is cold" or "cold water," which was used to describe the area's freshwater Kissena Lake. In the late 1800s, Kissena became a popular resort destination, attracting wealthy New Yorkers to its tranquil lakeside villas and lush gardens. Over the years, the neighborhood has transformed into a bustling residential area, home to a diverse community with a proud cultural heritage. Despite significant development and modernization, Kissena has proudly preserved its historical roots, evident in its beautiful parks, stately historic homes, and charming tree-lined streets.

Kissena is a neighborhood located in Queens that is home to several major landmarks and attractions. One of the most notable landmarks is the Kissena Park, which offers over 200 acres of scenic landscapes, nature trails, and recreational facilities for visitors of all ages. Kissena Park is also home to the Queens Botanical Garden, a beautiful and lush, 39-acre oasis that features themed gardens, an arboretum, and educational programs throughout the year. In addition, Kissena is known for its diverse dining scene, bustling nightlife, and bustling shopping district along Kissena Boulevard. Other notable attractions in Kissena include the New York Hall of Science, the Queens Museum, and the Louis Armstrong House Museum, which showcase the rich cultural history of the neighborhood and the city as a whole.

Kissena, Queens, has been home to a number of well-known individuals throughout its history. One of the most notable is musician Paul Simon, who grew up in the neighborhood and attended Forest Hills High School. Simon went on to achieve fame with his musical partner Art Garfunkel, and their hits such as "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and "The Sound of Silence." Another famous Kissena native is actor Ed Asner, who is best known for his role as Lou Grant on the television shows "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "Lou Grant." Asner has won multiple Emmy Awards and other accolades for his work on stage and screen. Kissena has also been home to notable writers and artists, including Poet Laureate of the United States, Robert Pinsky.

Highlight Gallery (Coming Soon)

Click here for the full kissena photo gallery:

All photography provided by Samuel Walters