Seaside Wildlife Nature Park

The Daily Plant : Thursday, November 19, 2009

Seaside Nature Park Is November’s Park Of The Month!

Daniel Avila

On the shore of Great Kills Harbor, Staten Island, lies the Seaside Nature Park. Formerly an undeveloped plot of waterfront land, Seaside Nature Park is one of Staten Island’s most picturesque waterfront locations. Parks cut the ribbon on new refurbishments on the area in July 2008, including a new path system, benches, and a wooden boardwalk with an overlook. Renovations were made possible by a joint effort by Parks & Recreation, Turnaround Friends, Inc., and the local community to revitalize Staten Island’s waterfront. The 25-acre park is filled with native wildflowers and local wildlife.

“Increasing waterfront access is one of Mayor Bloomberg’s many goals on the path to making New York City a greater, greener place,” said Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe. “Thanks to recent renovations, Seaside Nature Park is an ideal setting for the community to walk, run, play contemplate an unparalleled waterfront view, observe the natural world and enjoy the benefits of living on an island. When construction on the seaside-themed playground is complete, the Park is sure to be a great destination for Staten Island families to spend a day on the shore.”

The beautification of Seaside Nature Park is the focus of Turnaround Friends, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to serving the local community by transforming neglected areas of waterfront into a source of pride. Turnaround Friends is a volunteer-staffed organization, founded by husband and wife Anthony and Shirley Marraccini.

In July 2008, Parks and the Staten Island community celebrated the $2.4 million first phase in renovations to this waterfront park, including three new path types. In addition benches, perimeter timber barrier rails, a drinking fountain, drainage and water supply systems, an irrigation system and security lighting were unveiled. Trees, shrubs, groundcovers and native wetland plantings now thrive in this peaceful oasis. Another major project currently underway in the park is the construction of a nautical-themed children’s playground with swings and various other active and passive elements. The project’s next phase will include the reconstruction of the bulkhead of the recreational fishing pier.

Park of the Month introduces some of our greatest parks and recreation centers to curious New Yorkers and visitors alike. Visit www.nyc.gov/parks for more information about Seaside Nature Park and for an archive for past featured parks.

GO GREEN! ECO TIP OF THE DAY!

Take the no paper towel challenge! Use a cloth towel for cleaning counters and another for clean dishes.

www.sierraclub.org

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

“The poetry of the earth is never dead.”
John Keats
(1795 – 1821)