Take a walk on history at this greenway in Oakland Gardens. 

Located in the Oakland Gardens area, Vanderbilt Motor Parkway is a beautiful three-mile scenic trail. This is only a small section of the original Vanderbilt Parkway which was around 44 miles long. Originally built in 1908 as a racecourse by William K. Vanderbilt Jr., it was the first concrete road in the nation, the first highway to use bridges and overpasses, and the first high-speed route from Queens to Suffolk County. The untold history of race cars, bootlegging, historic preservation, and public controversy is so fascinating. During the two years, two spectators were killed during a race, so racing on this parkway was banned. By World War I, it became a toll road costing $2 to ride on. In 1920 the Parkway got nicknamed Rumrunner's Road because of the bootleggers using the road to outrun the police. With the construction of the Northern State Parkway, fewer people used the road and eventually with the loss of revenue they had to shut it down. Now only a few sections of the parkway remain. This section is one of those. 

Most of the road here in Queens is used as a bicycle, walking, and running trail. This part runs from Cunningham Park to Alley Pond Park paralleling 199th street. The nice part of this greenway is that it's all paved. This makes it perfect for a family bike ride, scootering, or a walk or jog while pushing a stroller. Most of the parkway is shaded which makes using it during the summer perfect.  There are several overpasses you cross under. During the winter the pavement can become snowed over and/or icy. Take caution during the cold months when using the trail. 

Always use common courtesy while on the parkway. Walkers and slower riders stay to the right, and faster bikers or joggers pass on the left. When passing someone, announce that you are coming so no one veers out in front of you. 

When you are done using the trail, play at the parks. This will make for a full day of family fun.