Mutton Park

300 Chestnut Street

Location & Size

Mutton Park is a small, 3.5-acre neighborhood park located at the corner of Coutant and Chestnut Streets in Flushing. This green space lies just south of Bonnyview Court and about a half-mile west of downtown, surrounded by residential homes.
History

In the early 1920s, Flushing’s village council purchased this property from Clarence Luce to develop a water supply for the community, and a water tower and well houses once occupied part of the site. After the waterworks were relocated, farmer and auctioneer William Mutton was granted permission in 1927 to plant a commemorative tree grove here in honor of his wife. He planted 25 trees in 12 straight rows and tended them until maturity; this shaded grove still stands and gives the park both its character and its name.

Features & Amenities

• Softball diamond & open field: A lighted softball diamond is the park’s central feature; it frequently hosts local league games, which can make the park busy at times.
• Basketball court: An asphalt court provides space for informal or pickup basketball games.
• Playground: Modest playground equipment offers a spot for children to climb and swing.
• Picnic area: Several picnic tables sit under the trees, making it convenient for family lunches or birthday parties.
• Tree grove: The rows of mature trees planted by William Mutton add shade and historical charm.
• Parking & access: A small gravel parking lot serves the park, and there is additional limited on-street parking nearby. Most routes to the ball fields and amenities are grass or gravel.

Usage & Guidelines

• Hours: Open year-round from dawn to dusk, consistent with Flushing park hours; there is no admission fee.
• Activities: Families and residents use the park for picnicking, free play, casual basketball, and pick-up softball. Organized leagues may reserve the diamond through the Parks & Recreation Department.
• Rules: As with other city parks, motorized vehicles and alcohol are prohibited. Dogs are welcome but must remain on leash, and owners should clean up after them. Visitors are encouraged to pack out all trash to keep the park clean.
• Accessibility: The park is mostly flat but has unpaved surfaces.

Why Visit?

Mutton Park offers a quiet, close-to-home space for recreation and relaxation. Its combination of shady tree groves, playground equipment, sports courts, picnic tables and a gravel parking lot provides a convenient spot for community gatherings and casual outdoor fun. The park’s history, especially William Mutton’s lovingly planted grove, connects visitors to Flushing’s past while still serving as a functional neighborhood greenspace today.