Midland Playground

NYC Parks And New York City Economic Development Corporation Celebrate Summer On Staten Island's Beaches With New Amusement Park And Summer Programming

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, June 30, 2014
No. 40
http://www.nyc.gov/parks

As a result of a 2013 Request For Expressions of Interest (RFEI), the City received innovative ideas for programs and activities to reinvigorate Staten Island's public beachfronts in communities hardest hit by Hurricane Sandy

Shorefront activation is one of the community resiliency initiatives to come out of NYC’s resiliency plan, “A Stronger, More Resilient New York”

NYC Parks Staten Island Commissioner Adena Long joined community members on Saturday to cut the ribbon on a new children's "Fantasy Shore" amusement park at Midland Beach and to announce new summer programming on Staten Island's beaches.

In November, NYC Parks and New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), in partnership with the NYC Mayor’s Office, released a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) for the reactivation of Staten Island’s public beachfronts and open spaces. This effort complements the top priority to support home and business recovery by inviting the community to put forward ideas that can drive long-term economic recovery and resiliency for the East and South Shores. The RFEI sought proposals to help areas impacted by Hurricane Sandy continue to recover and reemerge as destinations for residents and visitors. The City received proposals from Staten Island organizations and businesses, which included ideas for an amusement park, food concessions, family events, and art performances.

"Staten Island's beaches are back and will be livelier than ever thanks to a fun new family amusement park and great new summer programming," said NYC Parks Commissioner Adena Long. "The responses we received back from the RFEI show that our beaches have so much to offer and provide a host of opportunities and possibilities."

"Staten Island beaches play a vital role in the City’s comprehensive resiliency plan to strengthen coastal defenses, upgrade buildings, protect infrastructure, and make our neighborhoods safer and more vibrant,” said Daniel Zarrilli, Director of the Mayor's Office of Recovery and Resiliency. “That’s why we are also supporting the long-term economic resiliency of our coastal neighborhoods by reducing risks and encouraging investment in small businesses and local job creation.”

"The reactivation of our beachfronts and waterways is a key aspect of the City's ongoing effort to recover from Hurricane Sandy and encourage job creation and economic growth in all five boroughs," said NYCEDC President Kyle Kimball. "Fantasy Shore and the Staten Island Beach Fest series will provide new destinations for New Yorkers this summer, creating jobs for the community and outstanding amenities for everyone.”

Borough President Oddo said, “There is a lot going on this summer in our parks for park-goers of all ages, including the new Fantasy Shore Amusement Park. Staten Islanders really don’t have to leave our borough to enjoy fun, relaxation, and fitness opportunities. We have it all. I encourage all Staten Islanders – and visitors – to take advantage of all that is happening.”
"It's nice to see some normalcy return to the waterfront after a very long and difficult 21 months. Thanks to government, private sector and volunteers, we will have opportunities to enjoy many different activities this summer. Whether it be watching a movie on the beach, taking in beautiful fireworks, or riding one of the rides in the new Midland Beach amusement park, there will be lots of fun and entertainment on Staten Island's beachfront!" said Assemblywoman Malliotakis.

The Fantasy Shore children's amusement park will be open daily through Labor Day. For more information and for operating hours visit www.fantasyshorenyc.com. The amusement park features:

· Verrazano Viper: A family roller coaster (the only coaster on Staten Island!)
· Midland Beach Pro Tow: A children’s freefall ride
· Teaside Seacups: The classic spinning tea cup ride
· Staten Island Railroad: A train ride for all ages
“Fantasy Shore is an amusement park geared towards families with children,” said Ami Abramson, one of NY Carousel’s directors. “We want to be part of their day. Whether they are enjoying Midland Beach or the kids are running through the splash plaza, we hope that they visit the amusement park and that Fantasy Shore becomes synonymous with summertime for a generation of Staten Island youth.”

Beach events this summer, organized by the Vanderbilt's South Beach Restaurant Corporation, will include fireworks, a sunset festival, and movies at the beach. The Borough President's annual "Back to the Beach" celebration, in collaboration with the Carl V. Bini Foundation, will also take place again at Midland Beach on July 12 and 13. The "Sunset Concert" series will be back and run every Thursday beginning on July 10 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Later this summer, SI Arts will host short film screenings at Conference House. For more information on these events visit www.nyc.gov/parks/events.

Additionally, on July 19th, NYCEDC along with the Berman Group will launch the "Staten Island Beach Fest," a series of special events and activities at Midland Beach every weekend through Labor Day. For more information, please visit www.statenislandbeachfest.com.

This summer, the Parks Department will also be issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development and operation of a high quality cafe and snack bar at Midland Beach. Anyone who would like more information on this business opportunity, or has ideas for other business opportunities along New York City's beaches, can contact Parks' Revenue Division at Revenue@parks.nyc.gov.

Staten Island’s miles of continuous public waterfront comprise one of the borough’s greatest natural and recreational assets and attracts two to three million annual visitors to its many beaches, parks, fields, and open spaces which offer swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking, boardwalks, promenades, bike lanes and other active and passive recreational opportunities.

About the Office of Recovery and Resiliency (ORR)
Mayor Bill de Blasio announced the establishment of the Office of Recovery and Resiliency (ORR) in March 2014 in order to recover and rebuild after Hurricane Sandy and prepare for long-term risks. ORR is tasked with improving the City’s activities by enhancing policy and planning coordination, as well as implementing strategies of long-term climate resiliency efforts among City agencies, while also incorporating resiliency into how the City operates; by expediting efforts to secure additional federal funding for resiliency upgrades; by continuing to collaborate on state and federal recovery and resiliency planning processes to maximize investment in New York City; and by expanding economic opportunity for New Yorkers and aligning workforce development and local hiring into every recovery and resiliency project.