Once, this land was a vast tidal meadow. Winding tidal creek channels traversed it. Now, welcome to Ocean Breeze Park. It spans more than 110 acres.
Ocean Breeze Park is near Midland Beach. It is also close to the Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier. The Ocean Breeze Track and Field Complex is here. It is an elite level track facility. It is also a recreation center.
A new therapeutic horse riding arena is here. It is the first of its kind on Staten Island. It provides year-round support. It supports physical and occupational therapy programs. These programs are for members of the city’s disabled community.
Once, this area was called Graham Beach. It was a summer beach colony. Many bungalows and tents dotted the landscape. Nearby stood Warren Manor. It was a residential development. But Warren Manor was demolished in the 1950s. The city planned a new City University campus. It was never built. In 1993, the City University system opened a new campus on Staten Island. It was on the grounds of the former Willowbrook State School.
Later, a hospital was built on part of the former Warren Manor property. Staten Island Hospital moved to this site in 1979. It relocated from New Brighton. In 1989, this hospital merged with Richmond Memorial Hospital. They formed Staten Island University Hospital.
East of Staten Island University Hospital sits the South Beach Psychiatric Center. It is a state institution for the mentally ill. It opened shortly after the hospital. In the 1990s, wild turkeys appeared near this facility. They multiplied. They spread to other Staten Island neighborhoods. They have been seen as far away as West Brighton.
Superstorm Sandy hit on October 29, 2012. Several homes were damaged. Many homeowners chose to sell their homes for demolition. However, some residents planned to stay.
The Ocean Breeze Indoor Athletic Facility is part of New York City’s Design Excellence program. It is within the Department of Parks and Recreation. It is also within the DDC. The park is part of former Mayor Bloomberg’s PlaNYC initiative. The initiative aimed to bring large-scale regional parks to every borough.
Ocean Breeze overlooks the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. It also overlooks lower Manhattan and the Freedom Tower. Ocean Breeze has been open for track events since November 2015.
Ocean Breeze’s minimal interior footprint enhances views. It also enhances the potential for natural ventilation. It protects the building from storm surges and rising tides.
The fieldhouse program includes a 200m hydraulically banked track. It can convert from six banked lanes to eight flat lanes. This accommodates large practice sessions. The track meets USATF, NCAA, and IAFF competition standards. It seats 2,500 people. There are concessions, meeting rooms and restrooms. There are also service areas and a fitness center. It serves neighboring communities.
The project uses daylight harvesting and photo-sensor informed lighting controls. It also uses on-site storm water management. Recycled materials are used here. A “cool” roof has spare structural capacity. It is for future photovoltaic technology. All mechanical systems use high efficiency equipment. It is monitored and controlled through a networked building management system.
Take a moment to appreciate Ocean Breeze Park. It is a testament to resilience, recreation, and community. From tidal meadows to a state-of-the-art athletic facility, Ocean Breeze Park embodies the spirit of Staten Island.