Astoria: Film History and a Park at Hell Gate

Astoria offers two distinct themes to explore during a stay: film history and time in Astoria Park at Hell Gate. Historic dates range from the opening of Astoria Studio in 1920 to the swimming trials for the U.S. Olympic teams in 1936 and their return to Astoria in 1964. The park features a track, paths for running and cycling, and a swimming pool open seasonally. If you’re looking for a hotel in Astoria, these highlights can help you decide in advance which side of the area you’d most like to experience during your stay.

Film History and Historic Milestones

Astoria Studio opened in 1920 as an East Coast production center for Famous Players-Lasky, later Paramount. It is the first film studio in the country to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its role in production and its listing on the Register mark different historical milestones: one describes the studio’s function, the other its status on the national register.

The year 1936 is also associated with two distinct events. The finals of the swimming trials for the U.S. Olympic teams were held at Astoria Pool that year; the competition returned to Astoria in 1964. Astoria Play Center opened on July 2, 1936. The chronology is clear: after the studio opened in 1920 came the swimming trials and the opening of the Play Center in 1936; the competition returned to Astoria in 1964. These dates connect film and sports history without treating the individual events as one and the same.

Astoria Park: Paths, Track, and Swimming Pool

Astoria Park is on the eastern shore of the Hell Gate channel. The park includes a swimming pool about 330 feet long, a track, and several paths for running and cycling. This offers different ways to be active side by side: laps on the track, running or cycling on the paths, and swimming in the pool. The approximate pool length is a specific measure of its size; the paths and track offer other ways to spend time in the park.

Access to Astoria Park Pool is seasonal. The pool opens on the first weekday after the end of the public school season and closes before the next public school season begins. If visiting a swimming pool is important to your trip, check the dates for your travel year in advance, as the seasonal dates may change from year to year.

Planning Your Stay

The closest subway station to Astoria Park is Astoria Blvd, served by the N and W lines. Check the current schedule for your travel day. It’s also worth distinguishing between historic milestones and seasonal access when planning: the studio opening and competition history are fixed dates, while visiting the swimming pool depends on the public school season. This way, you can plan your travel dates around the interests that matter most to you.

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