Bloomingdale Park to Feature $5.5 Million in Athletic Field Upgrades

Some 15 years ago when I partnered with Mayor Bloomberg and Borough President Molinaro to create Bloomingdale Park I couldn’t have imagined just how important this park would become to the quality of life here on Staten Island. Bloomingdale Park is truly a gem among our many Staten Island parks. These fields were the first public New York City athletic fields on Staten Island’s South Shore. The park has been enjoyed by many thousands of Staten Islanders since. I commend Borough President Oddo, Councilman Borelli, NYC Parks Commissioner Silver, and Borough Parks Commissioner Ricciardone for these improvements and for their commitment to our parks.

NYC Parks breaks ground on South Shore community gem

NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, today joined Staten Island Borough President James Oddo, City Council Member Joseph Borelli, New York State Senator Andrew Lanza, New York State Assembly Member Michael Reilly, New York State Assembly Member Charles D. Fall, and local community members to break ground on the reconstruction of a synthetic turf soccer field and the construction of a new synthetic turf multi-purpose field in Bloomingdale Park. The project was funded by a $3.2 million allocation from the City Council and $2.25 million from Borough President Oddo.

“We want to build parks and greenspaces that improve the quality of life for its users. Here at Bloomingdale, we know the value of having fields available for the most committed athletes and for those who would like to plan a quiet family picnic,” said Commissioner Silver. “We are happy to break ground on this project that will afford parkgoers an opportunity to do both right here in their backyard.”

“If I marketed a magical elixir that would help ward of illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, and that also improved all aspects of one’s physical, mental and socio-emotional health, while improving cognitive function and academic performance of students, Staten Islanders would buy it by the case. That wondrous ‘potion’ does not come in a bottle, it comes in the form of movement. It’s called exercise,” said Borough President Oddo.  “Encouraging Staten Islanders of all ages to be outside, moving around and getting more exercise is an endeavor worth the time and money. In this instance, the money is $3,344,000 of tax dollars, $2.2 million of which came from our Borough Hall allocations and the balance coming from our good friend, former Councilman Vinny Ignizio. These wonderful brand new amenities belong to you – Staten Island – use them and be healthier, happier, and smarter.”

“The athletic fields at Bloomingdale Park receive a tremendous amount of traffic and use, but by regularly investing in parks and community assets like this one, we hope that they will continue to be enjoyed by Islanders for years to come,” said Council Member Borelli. “I remain a staunch advocate for the proper upkeep and maintenance of our City’s parks and green spaces, and, as such, the Borough President and I could not be happier to fund these upgrades to Bloomingdale Park.”

"Some 15 years ago when I partnered with Mayor Bloomberg and Borough President Molinaro to create Bloomingdale Park I couldn’t have imagined just how important this park would become to the quality of life here on Staten Island. Bloomingdale Park is truly a gem among our many Staten Island parks. These fields were the first public New York City athletic fields on Staten Island’s South Shore. The park has been enjoyed by many thousands of Staten Islanders since. I commend Borough President Oddo, Councilman Borelli, NYC Parks Commissioner Silver, and Borough Parks Commissioner Ricciardone for these improvements and for their commitment to our parks," said Senator Lanza.

“I am thrilled to participate in today’s groundbreaking at Bloomingdale Park! I thank Councilmember Borelli, former Councilmember Ignizio, Borough President Oddo, and those at the Parks Department for making these exciting new improvements possible,” said Assembly Member Michael Reilly.”

“It is great to see that we are doing everything we can to ensure our communities stay active and receive modern recreational amenities. I want to thank NYC Parks Commissioner Silver, Borough President Oddo, Council Member Borelli and all those involved for securing these additional amenities for Bloomingdale Park. The surrounding communities of Bloomingdale Park and future generations stand to benefit greatly from these improvements,” said Assembly Member Fall.

Upon its completion, Bloomingdale Park will feature a brand new multi-use synthetic turf field which can accommodate activities including, free play, toss sports, picnics and more. Additionally, the project will fully reconstruct an existing synthetic turf soccer field.

The project is expected to be complete in Fall 2020.

Bloomingdale Park is a 138 acre site featuring a playground, comfort station, active recreational fields, basketball courts, trails, and paved pathways. As part of Staten Island’s Bluebelt, the park is also home to natural and undeveloped wetland areas and a stream.