A secret garden outside the Marine Air Terminal at LaGuardia airport

Image source: edenpictures on Flickr  – the Marine Air Terminal at LGA

Thanks to the folks at the Jackson Heights 11372 blog, were were turned on to this article by pilot and columnist Patrick Smith in his Ask the Pilot column. In it he introduces a new feature called “Hidden Airport,” where he will “highlight little-known spots of unexpected pleasantness at U.S. airports.” One of those spaces is a little garden just outside the historic art deco Marine Air Terminal (GMAP) building at LaGuardia airport. Here is his blurb about it and the Marine Air Terminal – which has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1982 – itself:

I’ve already written at length about the Marine Air Terminal at LaGuardia Airport in New York City. This historic art deco building, in a far southwest corner of LGA, adjacent to the Delta Shuttle, is one of the most special places in all of commercial aviation — the launching point for the Pan Am flying boats that made the first-ever transatlantic and round-the-world flights. Inside the cathedral-like rotunda is the 240-foot “Flight” mural by James Brooks, as well as Rocco Manniello’s Yankee Clipper restaurant — a good greasy-spoon place that is one of the few remaining non-chain airport restaurants. What few people know about, however, is the cozy garden just outside. Facing the building, it’s to the right of the main entryway, set back from the street. It’s a quiet, tree-shaded hideaway amid grass, flowers and shrubs. There’s even … well, I guess sculpture is the best description. Grab a sandwich from the Yankee Clipper and enjoy it on one of the wooden benches.

Here’s a photo of the garden:

Image source: Patrick Smith

It sure looks peaceful to us. This is a very cool thing to know about!

Welcome to “Hidden Airport” [Ask the Pilot]
The Secret Garden at LGA-“Ask the Pilot” on our Own Marine Air Terminal [Jackson Heights 11372]