Image credit: NYC Department of Parks & Recreation.
The $5.5 million project renovates athletic fields at Bloomindale Park in Staten Island. On March 11, 2021, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation announced the completion of athletic field upgrades in Bloomingdale Park in Prince’s Bay, Staten Island. The improvements include a brand new synthetic turf multi-purpose field as well as the renovation of a turf soccer field.
Bloomingdale Park is a 138-acre area that contains a playground, comfort stations, active recreational fields, paved pathways, and sporting facilities for various sports like basketball and soccer. The new improvements were made to accommodate various outdoor activities. Activities include toss sports like football, free play, picnics, and other similar activities. The newly renovated space also includes new quality of life features like a new paved pathway, seating, drinking fountains, and a misting post. The soccer field renovations included new benches, pathways, and enhanced landscaping.
The $5.5 million project was funded by both Council Member Joe Borelli and Borough President James Oddo. $3.2 million was funded by Council Member Borelli and $2.25 million was funded by Borough President Oddo.
Council Member Borelli stated, “It is with great excitement to announce Bloomingdale Park’s newly finished fields that will hopefully bring children and families together to partake in some recreation and much-needed outdoor space. I could not be happier to fund these upgrades with Borough President Oddo to maintain the upkeep of our City’s parks. After a stressful year, I am hopeful we will see Staten Islanders returning to normal and utilizing the spaces for some well-intended fun and I am optimistic to see a great deal of soccer games.”
Borough President Oddo stated, “This project at Bloomingdale Park is particularly important, now more than ever, as we encourage residents to take advantage of the great outdoors during this time of social distancing and focus on their health through fitness. If something positive has come out of this pandemic, it’s that we’ve rediscovered our parks and open spaces. I applaud the work of the NYC Parks Department staff who helped bring this vision to life.”
Borough Commissioner Lynda Ricciardone stated, “Now more than ever, quality open spaces are vital to the mental and physical health of New Yorkers. Thanks to Borough President Oddo and Council Member Borelli, South Shore and the surrounding communities have access to new and improved fields that will better support recreational and fitness activities for years to come.”
By: Patrick McNeill (Patrick is the CityLaw intern and a New York Law School student, Class of 2022.)