9. Alley Pond Park is Named After a Former Commercial Site

Alley Pond Park was named after “The Alley,” an 18th century commercial center formerly located at the site. According to NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, the origin of the center’s name can be traced back to two theories. Some believe “alley” may actually refer to the shape of the natural valley created by the glacier itself; a second theory, however, suggests that the term originates with colonial travelers who had to pass through “the alley” (formed by a creek and pond) in order to make their way to the Manhattan ferries.