There’s something quietly magical about RC boating, and nowhere does it feel more fitting than on the calm lake at Mapplethorpe Queens Park. Tucked away from the noise of traffic and daily routines, the lake offers a perfect setting for hobbyists who enjoy slowing things down—ironically, by racing miniature boats across the water.
On a good day, the lake surface is smooth enough to reflect the sky like glass. That’s when RC boats really shine. Whether it’s a scale model tug chugging along or a sleek electric speedboat carving tight turns, watching these boats glide across the water has a calming, almost meditative quality. Passersby often stop, curious at first, then smiling as they realize how much personality these little vessels have.
One of the best parts of RC boating in Queens Park is the sense of community it naturally creates. You don’t need a formal club meeting to strike up a conversation—someone will inevitably ask, “How fast does it go?” or “Did you build that yourself?” Before long, tips are being shared about prop sizes, battery life, waterproofing tricks, and the best times of day to avoid wind ripples on the lake.
The lake itself is well-suited to the hobby. Its size allows for both relaxed cruising and short bursts of speed without feeling cramped. Shore access makes launching and retrieval easy, especially for electric boats, which are quiet enough to blend into the park’s peaceful atmosphere without disturbing wildlife or other visitors.
RC boating here isn’t about competition or lap times. It’s about the simple pleasure of control, craftsmanship, and being outdoors. There’s something satisfying about fine-tuning a boat at home, then seeing it perform exactly as planned on open water. And when things don’t go as planned—because they sometimes don’t—that’s just part of the hobby’s charm.
If you’re thinking about getting into RC boating, or you already have a boat gathering dust on a shelf, Mapplethorpe Queens Park’s lake is the kind of place that reminds you why the hobby is fun in the first place. Bring a charged battery, a little patience, and be prepared to lose track of time as your boat traces ripples across the water.
