Image credit: NYC Department of Parks & Recreation.
The previously undeveloped plot of land has been transformed into a community greenspace through a $20.3 million transformation project. On June 2, 2021, New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver announced the completion of Fairview Park in the Charleston section of Staten Island. The Fairview Park project is one of over 800 projects completed by the Department of Parks and Recreation under Commissioner Silver’s leadership. The project is a part of the Department’s goal to build a more equitable park system.
The $20.3 million project transformed 23.5 acres of undeveloped land into a brand-new green space and park. The all-new park accommodates both active and passive recreation. The new park contains a brand-new multi-purpose field, baseball field, pickleball, tennis, and bocce courts, fitness areas, picnic areas, a multi-use trail, parking facilities, and more. The new multi-use trail is completely ADA-compliant.
A synthetic field that replaced the multi-purpose field at New Dorp Park is among the new amenities. The multi-purpose field was previously damaged beyond repaid by Superstorm Sandy. The new John D’Amato Field – named after a Staten Island attorney, community leader, and athlete – features bleachers, a misting post, goal posts, and an advanced drainage system all newly installed.
A separate project to build a comfort station at Fairview Park is currently underway and expected to be completed by Fall of this year.
The project was funded by the Mayor’s Office, the Staten Island Borough President’s Office, the New York City Economic Development Corporation, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the City Council.
Mayor Bill de Blasio stated, “Green spaces are critical to the health and well-being of the surrounding community. I thank NYC Parks and our partners across government for helping transform Fairview Park into an urban oasis.”
Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver stated, “Fairview Park has long been underused and we’re excited to unveil these new amenities to the children and families of Charleston just in time for the summer. As Commissioner I’ve prioritized working to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to quality parks, and it’s outstanding to see these underused spaces transformed into community assets. Thanks to the generous investment from our local and federal partners, we’ve transformed this space into a recreational oasis that will better serve Charleston and the surrounding communities.”
Staten Island Borough President James Oddo stated, “With the addition of fields, courts, fitness equipment, paths and more at Fairview Park, our residents will have much to look forward to in the upcoming summer months. I encourage all of you to explore the borough’s natural spaces and take advantage of the results of this project. Many thanks to Parks for their efforts in making a great outlet for Staten Islanders to enjoy.”
By: Patrick McNeill (Patrick is the CityLaw intern and a New York Law School student, Class of 2022.)