Great Kills Park

Parks Breaks Ground At New Dorp Beach

Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe and City Council Member James S. Oddo today broke ground on $1.6 million in renovations at New Dorp Beach on Staten Island. Council Member Oddo allocated funding for the project that kicks off the transformation of 40 acres of waterfront property along Staten Island’s shoreline.

"New Dorp is one of the fastest growing neighborhoods on Staten Island," said Commissioner Benepe. "Our efforts here will bring residents closer to the waterfront with a new entryway and pathways, continuing the Bloomberg Administration’s commitment to increasing waterfront access in New York City. When we complete work here next summer, people young and old will be able to enjoy a magnificent space for relaxation and recreation."

"By improving this part of New Dorp Beach for only a relatively small amount of money, we will reclaim a splendid and lush part of Staten Island," said Council Member Oddo. "The project will extend the great improvements along the East Shore below New Dorp Lane, and turn what was a graveyard of shopping carts into a scenic retreat for Islanders of all ages."

New Dorp is a closely-knit community with tree-lined streets and well kept one-family houses. Like much of Staten Island, its population has been steadily increasing since the construction of the Verrazano Bridge in 1964. When Parks & Recreation acquired this land on 8th Street between Allison and Beach Avenues in 1970, the property was overgrown and filled with junk piles.

This project will link the community with woodlands, a natural beach, a dune complex, and coastal grasslands. A decorative spray shower will greet visitors at the entry plaza, while perimeter edge treatments will give definition to the presently unmarked open space. The gravel parking lot will be reconstructed, and new seating and a meadow will create a picturesque atmosphere. Construction will be completed by next summer.

The project includes a pathway system that will connect the neighborhood and waterfront. Future phases of development will include a multi-use bicycle and pedestrian path that will link to the Staten Island Greenway.