NYC PARKS CUTS THE RIBBON ON NEWLY UPGRADED SCHMUL PARK PLAYGROUND ON STATEN ISLAND

Capital project added multigenerational play area, spray shower, safety surface, and more

NYC Parks Staten Island Borough Commissioner Joseph G. Homsey today joined Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella to celebrate improvements at Schmul Park Playground in the Travis neighborhood of Staten Island.

"These enhancements at Schmul Park provide visitors with improved recreational amenities while strengthening the playground's resiliency," said NYC Parks Staten Island Borough Commissioner Joseph G. Homsey. "This site is an essential space for Staten Islanders to play, stay fit, and easily access the beauty of neighboring Freshkills Park, and we're proud to unveil the revamped space for community members to enjoy."

Parks recently completed a $2.789 million capital project to reconstruct a portion of the existing playground to add new play equipment, including distinct play areas for ages 2 to 5 as well as ages 5 to 12. The design includes a central play feature inspired by the topography of nearby Freshkills Park. A new spray shower, fencing, safety surfacing, pavement, and furnishings were also added. Additionally, the site was improved to better handle stormwater and prevent flooding, making the playground more resilient to severe weather.

The project was funded by $2.4 million from the Staten Island Borough President and $389,000 from the NYC Mayor's Office. The playground will officially reopen to the public on Saturday, November 1.

Schmul Park serves as the Travis neighborhood's gateway to Freshkills Park and sits at the southwestern edge of Freshkills. The property, previously a working farm, was acquired by Parks in 1938 after a gift from Louis and Hermine Schmul to provide a space intended for use by the neighborhood's children.

In addition to the playground, Schmul Park also includes handball courts, basketball courts, a baseball diamond, native plantings, a public restroom building, and a pedestrian entrance to the North Park section of Freshkills Park.

"We are pleased to cut the ribbon on the brand-new, fully-equipped playground at Schmul Park. As the gateway to Freshkills Park, we want Schmul Park to be in the best shape possible, and we were happy to support the project to restore and expand the park's amenities," said Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella. "Now, the park will be open for young families and the Travis community to fully enjoy."