By Denis Gostev

Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn was New York City’s first municipal airport and has a colorful history. Named for an aviation pioneer who was a Brooklyn native and the first pilot to fly over the North Pole, the field was used by Amelia Earhart, Howard Hughes and others. During World War II, it was a naval air station. Now, while its runways have eroded and many of its buildings have decayed, the field has taken on new life. Part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, it now has a fitness center and two ice skating rinks, camping and an aircraft restoration center whose historic craft are open to visitors. And its football field is home to the New York Sharks of the Women’s Football Alliance.