Imagine, if you will, a family farm. Then picture that marshy land being gifted to New York City. That’s the origin story of Schmul Park.
Schmul Park, an 8.4-acre site, became NYC Parks property in 1938. Louis Schmul gifted it. He presented it in memory of Heiman and Rosa Schmul.
The land was filled in the 1940s. This created usable flat land.
Let’s stroll through Schmul Park. Notice the recent investments. About $2.8 million has been spent to keep it clean and safe.
In 2012, Field Operations renovated and redesigned Schmul Park. This was part of the Freshkills Park project. Schmul Park sits next to the future entrance to the North Park portion of Freshkills Park.
Did you know Freshkills Park was once the world’s largest landfill? Now, it is transforming into a massive public park. It will be almost three times bigger than Central Park.
Schmul Park is on the northern edge of Freshkills. The renovation included new basketball and handball courts. Also, a new walkway was added. Colorful surfaces mimic the topography of the larger park.
Take a look at the trees. There are 117 mapped trees.
In 2016, the baseball field reconstruction started. It was completed three months ahead of schedule. Council Member Matteo provided $750,000 for the reconstruction.
The ballfield has been re-graded. A new fence was added. Drainage improvements include flood-resistance turf. The field, dugouts, and drinking fountain are now ADA accessible.
Hurricane Sandy damaged the basketball court. It has been resurfaced with $16,000 from FEMA.
The Department of Parks issued a press release on April 19, 1939. It announced the opening of Schmul Park on Staten Island. Park Commissioner Robert Moses presided over the ceremonies.
The Works Progress Administration developed about half of the plot. They created a recreational area. It had playground apparatus for children. There was also a one-story brick comfort station. Later, the remaining portion of the park would be developed. It would provide facilities for baseball and other group games.
Dedicated in 1938, the Schmul Memorial sits here. It features a tablet on a boulder. The tablet is bronze.
The inscription reads: SCHMUL PARK / LOUIS AND HERMINE SCHMUL / PRESENTED THIS PROPERTY TO THE / CITY OF NEW YORK / IN MEMORY OF / HEIMAN AND ROSA SCHMUL / 1938.
Schmul Park stands as a testament to community investment. It provides a space for recreation. It is a place where memories are made. It is a jewel of the Travis community. It is a place where family bonds are strengthened.