5. A Windmill in Alley Pond Park is a Local Landmark

Around 1870, a pumping windmill was constructed on the Douglaston peninsula to bring water to farms in the area. The structure was mainly used for agricultural purposes until the turn of the century, when homes were built on top of farmland. In light of the residential development, the site of the windmill was sold in 1985, fueling the establishment of a local committee, which successfully saved the structure by moving it to a location just west of Alley Pond Environmental Center’s building.

Unfortunately, the original windmill has since been burned down in an act of arson. A new water-pumping replica, constructed by the committee, now sits in its place as a local landmark. Today, water sourced from the structure is used for resource management. The Douglaston Estate Windmill in Alley Pond Park also continues to serve as a symbol of the site’s agricultural roots.