Breathe the salty air here at Great Kills Park. This park offers a unique blend of history and recreation. Let’s uncover its hidden stories.
Great Kills Park is a 580-acre park. It sits on Staten Island’s south shore. The National Park Service administers it. The park provides a variety of activities. These include trails, beaches, and a marina.
Originally called Marine Park, Great Kills Park has evolved. Robert Moses created this park. From 1947 to 1972, New York City operated it. In 1972, it joined the National Park Service. It became part of the Gateway National Recreation Area.
In 1860, John J. Crooke bought land here. He was a businessman and naturalist. His wooden house stood on the beach. By 1916, erosion turned Crooke’s Point into an island.
The city began acquiring land in 1929. The goal was to create a public park. The Great Depression and World War II delayed progress. Great Kills Park finally opened in 1949.
An incinerator operated here from 1926 to 1941. Over 197,000 tons of toxic residue remained. Additionally, 15 million tons of contaminated waste became landfill. Robert Moses noted the city saved $5 million using this fill.
Interestingly, a pioneering rocket launch occurred here in 1933. The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics recognized it as a Historic Aerospace Site.
Great Kills Harbor was created in the 1940s. This was achieved by connecting Crooke’s Island to Staten Island using landfill.
Today, Great Kills Park is a haven for diverse bird species. It features the Nichols Marina. Visitors enjoy beaches, trails, and sports fields. Bird-watching is popular here.
However, the park has faced challenges. In 2005, radioactive radium was discovered. It was found in the sand. Approximately half the park has been closed since 2009 for decontamination. The National Park Service is working on a long-term cleanup project.
You can access Great Kills Park easily. The main entrance is at Hylan Boulevard and Buffalo Street. The S78 and S79 SBS buses stop here. The Bay Terrace station is also nearby. Boaters can access the park through Nichols Marina.
Great Kills Park offers several facilities. These include a multi-use path and a swimming beach. The beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. A boat ramp is available with a permit.
Remember a boat launch permit is needed for parking. Personal watercraft are prohibited.
Driving here is straightforward. Take the Hylan Boulevard exit from the Staten Island Expressway. Public transportation is also an option. Take the S78 or S79 bus to the park entrance.
Despite its past challenges, Great Kills Park remains a valuable resource. It provides recreational opportunities and natural beauty. It connects us to the area’s complex history. As the remediation efforts progress, Great Kills Park will hopefully soon be fully open. It will again welcome everyone to enjoy its diverse offerings.