Bloomingdale Park

The Daily Plant : Wednesday, February 15, 2006

STATEN ISLAND IS HOME TO PARK OF THE MONTH

photo by Daniel Avila

Staten Island’s Bloomingdale Park is February’s Park of the Month. This 139-acre property is located on the borough’s South Shore and offers an abundance of recreational and natural areas that have become popular with residents since the its renovation in 2004.

"Bloomingdale Park offers a wide array of opportunities for all visitors," said Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe. "With its beautiful woodlands laced with hiking and running trails, Bloomingdale Park blends active recreation with an abundance of natural green space. With the addition of a handicapped accessible playground extension this spring, Bloomingdale Park will continue to be one of the borough’s great natural attractions."

In September 2004, Parks completed work to develop 15 acres of the park for active recreation purposes. The new park design includes three fields for softball, baseball, and soccer; a new playground with a spray shower and swings; two basketball courts; a bocce ball court; and a comfort station.

The developed area of the park is also landscaped with interior nature trails weaving through the existing wooded areas. An exterior bicycle path also surrounds the park. A comprehensive landscape plan was developed to complement the existing wildlife with plants selected specifically for their production of seeds, berries, and nuts. Native species of trees and shrubs have been used to supplement the preserved vegetation and forest.

This spring will mark the completion of an addition to the playground that includes integrated equipment for handicapped children and their caregivers. The new facility will enhance the existing playground with a diverse selection of play experiences, including swings, accessible play equipment, a fitness unit and picnic tables.

Park of the Month introduces some of our greatest parks and greenspaces to curious New Yorkers and visitors alike. A link to this month’s highlighted park is available on Parks’ website, www.nyc.gov/parks, and the dedicated page includes photos, an interactive map, historical and press information, as well as links to capital projects and inspections.

"No race can prosper till it learns there is as much dignity in tilling a field as in
writing a poem."

Booker T. Washington
(1856-1915)