Discover Great Kills Park in Staten Island, NY
Overview of Great Kills Park
Great Kills Park, located on the southern shore of Staten Island, is a sprawling 580-acre natural retreat that offers a diverse range of outdoor activities. Part of the Gateway National Recreation Area which span thousands of acres of New York waterfront, this park is a treasured green space that combines scenic beauty with recreational opportunities. The Great Kills area of New York is named for the Dutch word for creek - "kille". From sandy beaches to lush woodlands, Great Kills Park is a popular destination for both relaxation and adventure.
The excellent fishing, swimming, walking, and boating opportunities are what Great Kills Park is known for. A large part of the park has been closed for radiation remediation, closing off the sports fields and model airplane flying area, unfortunately. However, remediation efforts are underway, and hundreds of acres of the park are still open for people to explore. Learn information about Staten Island, NY.
Overview of Great Kills Park
Great Kills Park, located on the southern shore of Staten Island, is a sprawling 580-acre natural retreat that offers a diverse range of outdoor activities. Part of the Gateway National Recreation Area which span thousands of acres of New York waterfront, this park is a treasured green space that combines scenic beauty with recreational opportunities. The Great Kills area of New York is named for the Dutch word for creek - "kille". From sandy beaches to lush woodlands, Great Kills Park is a popular destination for both relaxation and adventure.
The excellent fishing, swimming, walking, and boating opportunities are what Great Kills Park is known for. A large part of the park has been closed for radiation remediation, closing off the sports fields and model airplane flying area, unfortunately. However, remediation efforts are underway, and hundreds of acres of the park are still open for people to explore. Learn information about Staten Island, NY.
Photo take from a plane showing Great Kills park in Winter 2010 - by dsearls, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Scenic Beauty and Outdoor Activities
Great Kills Park has four beaches, and one of them has an on-duty lifeguard in the warmer months. This makes it a popular place for people to get out and swim. This is one of the park’s main attractions - its picturesque beaches, which stretch for over 2 miles along the Atlantic Ocean. The beach area is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking. The park also has a boat launch that park-goers can pay a modest fee to utilize and go out boating. The pass allows for up to 24 hour access for vehicles with boat trailers.
In addition to its beach, Great Kills Park features a variety of trails for hiking and biking. The park’s trails wind through woodlands, wetlands, and salt marshes, providing opportunities for bird-watching and nature exploration. One of the most popular features of the park is it's 1.5 mile long multi use trail. This paved trail is perfect for walkers, joggers, runners, bikers, rollerblading, and biking! The trail winds along marshes and water front, treelined areas and lots of natural beauty, which offers scenic views and a peaceful environment for outdoor enthusiasts. If you enjoy parks, you may also enjoy Exploring Greenbelt Nature Center in Staten Island, NY.
Wildlife and Conservation Efforts
Great Kills Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife. Fishing and birding opportunities abound. Local anglers and birdwatchers know the best spots to find the local populations of fish and birds that frequent the park and its waters. Birdwatchers can spot species such as ospreys, herons, and various shorebirds. The park’s salt marshes and woodlands provide key habitats for these birds and other wildlife. The beaches also help prevent flooding to nearby homes and neighborhoods, providing an important environmental and economical benefit for the local area.
Visiting Great Kills Park
Great Kills Park is open year-round, with access to the beach and trails available during daylight hours. Facilities include picnic areas, restrooms, and parking. The park is easily accessible by car and is a short drive from the Staten Island Ferry terminal.
For those seeking a day of outdoor enjoyment and natural beauty, Great Kills Park offers a variety of experiences that highlight the best of Staten Island’s natural landscape.
Great Kills Park has four beaches, and one of them has an on-duty lifeguard in the warmer months. This makes it a popular place for people to get out and swim. This is one of the park’s main attractions - its picturesque beaches, which stretch for over 2 miles along the Atlantic Ocean. The beach area is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking. The park also has a boat launch that park-goers can pay a modest fee to utilize and go out boating. The pass allows for up to 24 hour access for vehicles with boat trailers.
In addition to its beach, Great Kills Park features a variety of trails for hiking and biking. The park’s trails wind through woodlands, wetlands, and salt marshes, providing opportunities for bird-watching and nature exploration. One of the most popular features of the park is it's 1.5 mile long multi use trail. This paved trail is perfect for walkers, joggers, runners, bikers, rollerblading, and biking! The trail winds along marshes and water front, treelined areas and lots of natural beauty, which offers scenic views and a peaceful environment for outdoor enthusiasts. If you enjoy parks, you may also enjoy Exploring Greenbelt Nature Center in Staten Island, NY.
Wildlife and Conservation Efforts
Great Kills Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife. Fishing and birding opportunities abound. Local anglers and birdwatchers know the best spots to find the local populations of fish and birds that frequent the park and its waters. Birdwatchers can spot species such as ospreys, herons, and various shorebirds. The park’s salt marshes and woodlands provide key habitats for these birds and other wildlife. The beaches also help prevent flooding to nearby homes and neighborhoods, providing an important environmental and economical benefit for the local area.
Visiting Great Kills Park
Great Kills Park is open year-round, with access to the beach and trails available during daylight hours. Facilities include picnic areas, restrooms, and parking. The park is easily accessible by car and is a short drive from the Staten Island Ferry terminal.
For those seeking a day of outdoor enjoyment and natural beauty, Great Kills Park offers a variety of experiences that highlight the best of Staten Island’s natural landscape.