Press Release
September 05, 2018
New York State Announces NYC's Largest State Park to Open in Brooklyn in 2019
Community Input Will Inform Park Features, Including Bike Trails, Waterfront Access and Opportunities for Environmental Education
Supports Governor's $1.4 Billion Vital Brooklyn Initiative Which Advances Critical Open Space and Recreation, Healthy Food, Education, Economic Empowerment, Violence Prevention, Healthcare, and Resiliency Initiatives Based on a Robust Community-Based Planning Effort
The first phase of the park, which will be complete next summer when the park opens full-time, seven days a week, will feature 10 miles of trails for hiking and biking, including bike connector paths that will ultimately join the Pennsylvania and Fountain Avenue properties, waterfront access for kayaking, pop-up environmental education, a pier with a shade structure, picnic areas, concessions, comfort facilities, welcome and wayfinding signage and a park office. As part of today's announcement, Governor Cuomo directed relevant state agencies to start the process of park design and implementation.
"Our state parks are community treasures, and this new park transforms what was once landfill into exquisite open space, waterfront access and outdoor recreation for Brooklyn," Governor Cuomo said. "Shirley Chisholm led the fight to improve the health and wellness of underserved communities that we carry on today with the Vital Brooklyn initiative, and we are proudly naming this park after her in admiration for the example of leadership and devotion she set for all of us."
"Our work to revitalize Brooklyn continues with a transformational new state park named in honor of one of the greatest women in New York State history," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "Throughout my career, I've looked to Shirley Chisholm as a role model and a strong woman who fought for her community. Her inspiration helped guide me toward a life of public service. It is an appropriate recognition to name this park for a Congresswoman and presidential candidate who spent her time in office working to move Brooklyn and our nation forward. This new state park is an important component of our Vital Brooklyn initiative and will enhance recreational opportunities and improve the quality of life for Brooklyn residents."
The new park is part of the Governor's $1.4 billion Vital Brooklyn initiative. Last month, Governor Cuomo announced New York State Homes and Community Renewal will finance 1,000 affordable homes for seniors on underutilized land owned by the New York City Housing Authority in Central Brooklyn. In April, Governor Cuomo launched phase two of Vital Brooklyn and announced five RFPs to construct more than 2,000 affordable homes and advance the initiative's $563 million commitment to build 3,000 units of affordable housing in Central Brooklyn. Earlier this summer, Governor Cuomo announced a $3.1 million investment to renovate and transform eight community gardens and deliver a much-needed direct water connection to 14 others, to be completed by fall of 2019. Prior to that, the Governor also announced flagship ambulatory care sites and partnerships with six Brooklyn-based federally qualified health centers to form the foundation of its $210 million, 32-site ambulatory care network.
Earlier last month, as the next step of the comprehensive initiative, Governor Cuomo announced new actions to increase access to nutritious foods and address chronic food insecurity and health disparities in Central Brooklyn communities. The Governor also announced a $1.825 million investment in new mobile markets, food insecurity screening for seniors, youth run farmers' markets, community gardens, and a food distribution hub siting study, to help ensure local communities have the ability to purchase fresh, local foods, and have the support they need for healthier lifestyles.
Phase 1 of the park is funded by a state investment of up to $20 million to open the ecologically restored property and make 3.5 miles of waterfront available to provide crucial new open space access in one of the most underserved areas of the state.
Public meetings will begin in the fall of 2019 for the design of Phase 2; which will be completed in 2020 and 2021. Based on community input, Phase 2 could feature a new amphitheater for live events, environmental education center, lawn patios and a cable ferry or a connector bridge over the water which will link the Pennsylvania and Fountain Properties.
The 407-acre site, which has never been open to the public, includes the former Pennsylvania Avenue Landfill and Fountain Avenue Landfill, which were operated by NYC Department of Sanitation from 1956-1983 and deeded to the National Park Service as part of Gateway National Recreation Area in 1974. In 2002, the NYC Department of Environmental Protection began a $235 million site remediation that included the installation of an impermeable cap and below-ground barrier to support future use.
In addition, more than 1.2 million cubic yards of clean soil, up to four feet deep, was spread across the site and more than 35,000 trees and shrubs were planted. The addition of prairie grass and native plantings prevents erosion and has created a diverse ecosystem of more than 400 acres of coastal meadows, wetlands, and woodlands that have attracted local wildlife. The full remediation and restoration of the site was completed with significant community input in 2009.
Under the agreement with the National Park Service and the City of New York, New York State Parks will plan, develop, open and operate the public park in cooperation with the Department of the Interior, the National Park Service and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, which will continue to manage the former landfill infrastructure.
New York State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey said, "Thank you Governor Cuomo for your continued pursuit of creating and expanding public access in our communities and thank you to the National Parks Service and City of New York in helping bring access to this special waterfront at Shirley Chisholm State Park at Gateway National Recreation Area."
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said, "Parks and green spaces are essential to New Yorkers, and I'm excited that the creation of this new park will help give more residents access to outdoor activities. My administration will continue working with the State to push this vital project forward."
New York City Public Advocate Letitia James said, "The Vital Brooklyn Initiative has been crucial for a community that has long been underserved. This initiative has provided the men, women and children of Brooklyn with quality education and health resources that were previously unavailable to them. Today's announcement to open Shirley Chisholm State Park, NYC's largest state park, will create an incredible green open-space environment for our community. I thank Governor Cuomo for his vision of a stronger Brooklyn."
Congresswoman Yvette Clarke said, "Through the expansion of open spaces and recreational areas, Governor Cuomo's Vital Brooklyn initiative is improving the health and well-being of Brooklyn residents every day. The addition of the Shirley Chisholm State Park will encourage Brooklynites to explore the outdoors and the natural wonders of our great state, while getting the exercise they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I applaud Governor Cuomo for his leadership on this initiative and for his commitment to bettering the Brooklyn community."
Senator Kevin Parker said, "The public spaces, recreational activities, and miles of hiking trials in Shirley Chisholm Park will provide a vibrant cultural and social experience for Central Brooklyn residents. Governor Cuomo's dedication to ensuring the health and well-being of Brooklynites is unmatched, and I am especially grateful for the Vital Brooklyn Initiative."
Senator Roxanne Persaud said, "As a Brooklyn resident, I know first-hand how hard it can be to find well-maintained green space. Parks are more than just a gathering place—they are an opportunity for families to spend quality time, for children and adults to learn, and for people to take advantage of all the great outdoors have to offer. Parks help keep families close, encourage our youth to explore, and provide residents with a place to partake in outdoor recreation. I thank Governor Cuomo for spearheading this initiative and for recognizing the importance of parks in the everyday lives of New Yorkers across the state."
Assembly Member Maritza Davila said, "Since he took office, Governor Cuomo has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to helping revitalize our community. While others talked the talk, Governor Cuomo walked the walk. Today's announcement is no different, as the Governor is providing our community with New York City's largest State Park. I commend Governor Cuomo for this initiative that will benefit all residents of Central Brooklyn, young and old."
Assembly Member Erik Martin Dilan said, "I applaud the creation of this park, the largest in New York City, for bringing much needed open space to Brooklyn. This investment will completely transform the area, and I thank Governor Cuomo for prioritizing the health and well-being of our residents."
Assembly Member Latrice Walker said, "For far too long, our community has been neglected—without access to quality healthcare, quality food, and quality green open spaces. Governor Cuomo's Vital Brooklyn Initiative has changed the circumstances for our community, helping to transform Central Brooklyn—and today's announcement only enhances that transformation. The creation of Shirley Chisholm State Park is a welcome addition to our community, and I thank Governor Cuomo for his commitment to the people of Central Brooklyn."
New York City Council Member Robert E. Cornegy said, "Governor Cuomo's Vital Brooklyn initiative continues to deliver for our borough and those who call Brooklyn home. Green space and clean, safe outdoor recreation are some of our community's critical needs, and now, with hiking and biking trails, kayaking, and more, Brooklyn residents will have opportunities to enjoy the outdoors like never before. I thank the Governor for his continued support for the people of Brooklyn, their health, and their happiness."
New York City Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo said, "I am thrilled at today's announcement by Governor Andrew Cuomo of Shirley Chisholm State Park, which is set to open in 2019 and will be the largest state park in New York City. Shirley Chisholm is a personal she-ro of mine, and given how much she provided to the people of Brooklyn over the course of her life, I am proud that we are able to honor her legacy with this amazing green space that will continue to enrich the lives of our children, families, and communities for generations to come!"
New York City Council Member Mathieu Eugene said, "This new state park will provide Brooklyn with the beautiful open space outlet that this community has long desired. This park will serve as an epicenter for all Brooklynites, a healthy and safe environment for children to play, and for families to convene. I commend Governor Cuomo on his continued investment and dedication to our community."
The Brooklyn park will be the second state park opened by Governor Cuomo in New York City. Governor Cuomo dedicated Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park in 2012. State Parks operates seven state parks throughout the five boroughs of NYC, including Bayswater Point State Park and Gantry Plaza State Park in Queens, East River State Park in Brooklyn, Clay Pit Ponds State Park in Staten Island, Riverbank State Park in Manhattan, and Roberto Clemente State Park in the Bronx. The Governor also opened Buffalo Harbor State Park in 2015 and Hallock State Park Preserve on Long Island last year.