Bloomingdale Park

The Daily Plant : Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Doubleheader Of Park Events In Staten Island

Photo by Daniel Avila

Staten Island experienced a doubleheader of park improvements with back-to-back ribbon cutting and groundbreaking ceremonies on July 31. First, Commissioner Adrian Benepe joined Council Member James Oddo to cut the ribbon on a $1.7 million access path project at New Dorp Beach Park. Later that day, Commissioner Benepe, along with Borough President James Molinaro and Council Member Vincent Ignizio, broke ground on a new $1.2 million synthetic turf soccer field in Bloomingdale Park.

"Today represents a great day for Staten Island’s parks," said Commissioner Benepe. "From this morning’s ribbon cutting on added pathways and improvements along the waterfront at New Dorp Beach, to the afternoon’s ground breaking on a state-of-the-art soccer field in Bloomingdale Park, we are maintaining our commitment to make improvements throughout the borough. Thanks to the vital support of the Borough President and the City Council, we can provide all Staten Islanders magnificent spaces for relaxation and recreation."

At New Dorp Beach Park, newly created paths and sidewalks link the community with woodlands, a natural beach, a dune complex, and coastal grasslands. A decorative spray shower greets visitors at the entry plaza, while perimeter edge treatments give definition to the once unmarked open space. Renovations also included reconstructed gravel parking, a new meadow, and seating. Additionally, a multi-use path has been constructed along the shore as part of the Staten Island bikeway/greenway route. Within natural areas, Parks has employed conservation and ecological restoration. Council Member Oddo funded $1.5 million for the project and the Mayor provided the remaining $200,000.

At Bloomingdale Park, construction is set to begin on a new synthetic turf soccer field, as well as for new pavement, benches and bleachers. Bloomingdale Park’s 138 acres consist primarily of natural areas, but the recent population growth in the surrounding neighborhood has spurred the need for more organized field sports, especially soccer, which officials noted has become the most popular sport among Staten Island youth. Borough President Molinaro contributed all of the $1.2 million in funding to build the new field.

"So much of what we call management consists in

making it difficult for people to work."

(1909 – 2005)