Exploring Boro ‘Parks’: Owls Head Park

By Y.M. Lowy

Throughout the summer months, BoroPark24 will be exploring parks near the neighborhood that are worth visiting when you’re looking for a breath of fresh air. In this new column, Exploring Boro ‘Parks’, we’ll take a look at nearby green spaces, some well-known, some less so, that offer a peaceful break just a short ride away. 

Located not too far from your home on Colonial Road and 68th Street, Owls Head Park is one of Brooklyn’s local gems. Long before it became a public space, the land was part of a private estate owned by Eliphalet Bliss, a wealthy man who later gifted it to the city. Since then, it has grown into a beloved neighborhood park.

The source of the park’s name has been a subject of debate. Some say it came from the shape of the land. Others claim owls once lived in a barn on the property or the stone owls standing by the entrance gate. But it seems more likely that the name was borrowed from a nearby estate whose land truly did resemble the shape of an owl.

Today, the park offers a mix of activity and calm. It has basketball courts, a large playground with modern equipment, and a skate park. On hot summer days, the spray pool is the place to be, with fountains and water jets that bring smiles and squeals of joy to children cooling off in the sun. The park’s sloping hills are great for long strolls and, when winter arrives, turn into one of the best sledding spots around.

Right now, Owls Head Park is undergoing a major renovation expected to be completed by late 2025. The work includes repairing and upgrading playground equipment, resurfacing basketball courts, improving walking paths, and enhancing landscaping throughout the park. While parts of the park may be temporarily closed during construction, these improvements promise to keep Owls Head Park a treasured green space for years to come.

Stay with us as we continue exploring more parks in the weeks ahead.

photos: Zevi Klein