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February 24, 2010
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Bayswater Point State Park, Popular Kennedy Airport Planespotting Location, to Close April 1st

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By: Matt Molnar
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Evergreen freighter
An Evergreen freighter turns onto the active runway as Manhattan looks on, as photographed from Bayswater State Park
Evergreen freighter

Bayswater is best known for photos like this one.

Bayswater Point State Park, popular with planespotters for its prime views of JFK International Airport is slated to become a victim of massive budget cuts when the new fiscal year begins April 1st.

The Far Rockaway, Queens park is among 55 parks and historic facilities recommended for closure by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation in order for the agency to meet its mandated budget goals as the state attempts to close an $8.2 billion gap. Among other cost-cutting measures, the agency plans to cut hours at 24 additional facilities, raise $4 million through new fees, and eliminate Fourth of July fireworks at Jones Beach.

Situated on the south shore of Jamaica Bay, the 12-acre park offers a fantastic vista of operations on JFK’s runway 4L/22R with the New York City skyline in the background. Local fishermen are often seen standing beside spotters with cameras, while migratory birds and horseshoe crabs are frequent visitors, as well. The land was once part of an estate built by an early 20th century Wall Street financier.

A Parks spokesperson told the Associated Press that their office is reviewing the possibility that some of the closed parks may remain open to visitors without being maintained. It is not yet clear if Bayswater could be one of those.