Over there, can you spot the tall stone chimney standing alone? That’s just one of the hidden gems in Willowbrook Park. Let’s uncover the story behind this fascinating place.
Willowbrook Park is a large recreational area on Staten Island. It offers many activities for visitors. The park spans 164 acres. It is a part of the Staten Island Greenbelt.
The history of Willowbrook goes back centuries. As early as 1683, colonial records mention the Willowbrook area. Its streams attracted early industrialists. By 1760, there was a sawmill and factories producing metal tools. Development caused a drop in the water level and most industries closed in the early 20th century. During the American Revolution, patriots held secret meetings here. After the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge opened in 1964, Willowbrook grew significantly.
The city acquired the first part of Willowbrook Park in 1909. It came from the Staten Island Water Supply. Later, more land was added in 1939 and 1940. This land was originally intended for the Willowbrook Parkway extension. The extension was never built.
Willowbrook gained public attention due to the Willowbrook State School. The school was near the Victory Boulevard entrance to the park. In 1965, Senator Robert F. Kennedy visited and called the school deplorable. Reporter Jane Kurtin exposed the understaffed and overcrowded conditions in 1971. Geraldo Rivera further revealed the horrors in award-winning reports.
These reports led to inquiries into the care of mentally ill children. The Willowbrook Consent Decree eventually led to the school’s closing in 1987. Today, the renovated buildings are part of the College of Staten Island.
Willowbrook Park boasts diverse natural features. There is a lowland forest with tulip trees, willows, and red maples. Swamps and a red maple swamp add to the park’s beauty.
For recreation, there are ballfields and tennis courts. You can find a boathouse, playgrounds, and an archery range here. Willowbrook Lake is a man-made pond created in 1932. It is stocked with fish and serves as a bird sanctuary.
The Carousel for All Children opened in 1999. Gabriella Ward and Jonna Carmona-Graf designed it. The carousel features 51 hand-created animals. Panels depict Staten Island scenes. It is fully accessible to children and adults with disabilities.
In 1989, the park received significant improvements. These included new tennis courts and handicapped access to the lake. Willowbrook Park is an important part of the Greenbelt. The Greenbelt links Staten Island’s large parks.
If you follow the White Trail from Victory Boulevard you will find the remains of old settlements. You may even see the chimney of the Corson’s home.
Willowbrook Park blends history and nature. It offers something for everyone. Take a moment to appreciate this Staten Island treasure. It’s a place where memories linger and nature thrives.