Rising 130 feet above sea level, Shirley Chisholm State Park offers some of the highest ground in New York City. From here, you can see the Empire State Building. You can also spot the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge. Jamaica Bay stretches to the south.
Shirley Chisholm State Park is named for a remarkable woman. Shirley Chisholm was a Brooklyn native. She was the first African American Congresswoman. She was also the first woman and African American to run for president. This park honors her legacy.
The park’s story is quite unique. This land was once the Pennsylvania and Fountain Avenue landfills. From 1956 to 1983, New York City’s Department of Sanitation operated these landfills. Imagine tons of trash arriving daily. It was almost 40 percent of the city’s refuse.
After the landfills closed a transformation began. The area needed to be safe. An impermeable plastic cap was installed. A below-ground barrier was also installed. This encapsulated the landfills. A methane gas piping system was added.
Then came the soil. Over 1.2 million cubic yards of clean soil were spread. It was up to four feet deep. More than 35000 trees and shrubs were planted. Native grassland species were included. This created a diverse ecosystem. Coastal meadows, wetlands and woodlands emerged. Birds and local wildlife returned.
In 1974, the city gave the land to the National Park Service. It became part of Gateway National Recreation Area. New York State Parks developed and operates Shirley Chisholm State Park. The park opened on July 2, 2019.
Today, Shirley Chisholm State Park features 10 miles of trails. These are perfect for biking and hiking. The SCSP Bike Library lends bikes to visitors. Waterfront access is available at Penn Pier and Hendrix Creek Patio. There are picnic spots. Environmental education programs thrive here. Fishing clinics and guided bird walks are offered.
The park is a haven for birdwatchers. Nearly 200 species have been recorded. Northern Harrier hawks are common. Many grassland birds can be seen. During winter, waterfowl line the shore.
Shoreline access reveals more wildlife. Great Blue Herons and egrets are often seen. Laughing Gulls and Killdeer are present. Fiddler crabs and horseshoe crabs inhabit the area.
Fishing is permitted at Penn Pier. Common fish include porgy and flounder. Fishing clinics teach catch-and-release techniques. Native wildflowers bloom later in the year. Sunflowers and asters attract pollinators. Monarch butterflies pass through in September.
Shirley Chisholm State Park is more than just a park. It’s a symbol of renewal. It shows how a former landfill can become a vibrant space. It honors an important figure in American history. It offers recreation and education to all. Take a moment to appreciate this transformation. Enjoy the panoramic views. Remember the story of Shirley Chisholm.