Remember a time when Staten Island craved a park like Manhattan’s Central Park? That’s how the story of Silver Lake Park begins. Until the early 20th century, Staten Island lacked a comparable green space. Then, around 1904, Silver Lake Park was established.
Silver Lake Park got its name from a lake. But the original Silver Lake was drained in 1913. Today, Silver Lake Reservoir sits at the park’s center. It’s the endpoint of the Catskill Water Supply. This system brings 40 percent of New York City’s water from the Catskill Mountains.
Once, Silver Lake was a natural lake fed by a spring. It was a popular spot. People enjoyed boating and ice skating. Companies even harvested ice there in winter. In 1897, it hosted the National Skating Amateur Championship. A casino and saloon also thrived there, causing concern among residents. The state assembly eventually acquired the land transforming it into Silver Lake Park.
Today, Silver Lake Park boasts many attractions. You can find a golf course, tennis courts, softball fields, and bike paths. The golf course has a unique history. It’s built on the former site of the Marine Cemetery. This cemetery was established in 1849 for the New York Marine Hospital Quarantine.
The quarantine treated immigrants from incoming ships. Overcrowding and public sentiment led the hospital to purchase land for burials in 1849. The location had to be far from homes and roads but within a mile of the hospital.
Between 1849 and 1858, over 5,000 patients were buried there. Few grave markers were laid, and none survived the golf course conversion. A boulder near the clubhouse remains. A plaque calls it the “Forgotten Burial Ground.” It serves as a somber reminder of the past. Many Irish immigrants escaping the Great Famine of Ireland, who died from contagious diseases are buried under the 18th fairway of the golf course.
The Silver Lake Reservoir isn’t used for drinking water anymore. An underground storage tank was built in 1971. Now, the reservoir is part of the drainage system.
Silver Lake Park exists due to John DeMorgan’s efforts. He urged the State Assembly to fund the park’s establishment in 1900. The park began taking shape in the following years. This makes Silver Lake Park Staten Island’s oldest large park.
In 1988, Ralph J. Lamberti provided funds for a new building and play area. In 1997, Guy Molinari allocated money to improve walkways and add amenities. Silver Lake Park has evolved. It offers recreation and green space for all. It stands as a testament to the community’s vision.