FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 18-67
July 6, 2018
deppressoffice@dep.nyc.gov, (718) 595-6600

Department of Environmental Protection and NYC Parks Reopen Refurbished Playground on Staten Island

$5.6 Million Investment in The Big Park; CPI Site is the Fifth Completed on Staten Island

Green Infrastructure will Absorb Stormwater, Reduce Flooding and Improve Air Quality

Photos Available on DEP’s Flickr Page

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection joined NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, New York State Assembly Member Michael Cusick, New York City Council Member Debi Rose, Staten Island Deputy Borough President Ed Burke, representatives from Community Board 1 and community members to cut the ribbon Thursday on the newly reconstructed The Big Park. The Big Park is the fifth Community Parks Initiative (CPI) site to open on Staten Island after undergoing a $5.6 million reconstruction; with $3.3 million in funding from Mayor Bill de Blasio, $1.3 million from DEP and $1 million from Council Member Rose.

To manage stormwater runoff, green infrastructure has been added throughout the park. Seven newly constructed rain gardens will contribute to a runoff reduction and annual stormwater capture of more than 1.5 million gallons each year. This green infrastructure investment will also help to improve the health of New York Harbor, make this community space more beautiful, and will help to clean the air. DEP has committed approximately $50 million in funding for green infrastructure installations at CPI sites throughout the city, helping to reduce sewer overflows that sometimes occur during heavy rainfall, improve air quality and lower summertime temperatures.

“DEP is proud to have once again partnered with NYC Parks to create another beautiful CPI site on Staten Island, said DEP Commissioner Vincent Sapienza. “The Big Park now contains seven rain gardens which will help capture an annual 1.5 million gallons in stormwater, reducing runoff into the sewer system and, thereby, improving the health of New York Harbor. I join with Parks Commissioner Silver in hoping everyone in Mariners Harbor enjoys this new, beautiful, green playground.”

“The Big Park’s reconstruction is truly a big deal for this community,” said Commissioner Silver. “The transformation of this green space is a crucial step towards expanding access and equity for all New Yorkers who use our parks system. I am confident that with the new amenities available in this park it will fortify its role as “the big park” in the neighborhood.”

“The Big Park will now have even more amenities to encourage Staten Islanders to get outside and enjoy our borough’s green spaces,” said Borough President James Oddo. “In addition, the infrastructure improvements will help the surrounding areas deal with flooding. I hope Staten Islanders take advantage of this beautiful reconstructed park.”

“I’m thrilled that we’re cutting the ribbon for the Big Park, a staple for members of this community,” said New York State Senator Diane Savino. “With new, state of the art equipment as well as a transformed vision, this will surely be one of the most desired park destinations of the district. I eagerly await the continued upgrades coming for this park in the Mariner's Harbor community!”

“This space is the centerpiece of Mariners Harbor, where children come to play after school, on weekends, and throughout the long hot summer. With today’s opening, we bring a new investment, with brand new handball and basketball courts, a water spray, fields, play equipment, adult fitness equipment and more, said City Council Member Rose. “I thank the mayor and the Parks Department for making this investment and finishing it in time for summer, and I encourage everyone to enjoy!”

The Big Park has undergone a complete transformation and boasts improvements including new spray showers and water fixtures, a fitness trail, remodeled basketball and handball courts, a redesigned landscape with more green space including a multi-purpose lawn for recreation, and new playground equipment with safety surfaces. Additionally, modeled after the Parks Without Borders initiative there are lowered fences around the park to make it more inviting. In addition to these upgrades, The Big Park will open a redesigned comfort station in the fall. The park design is based on feedback gathered directly from the community at public input sessions.

Launched by Mayor de Blasio in October 2014, CPI strives to make NYC Parks a more equitable and accessible parks system by investing in smaller parks that are located in New York City’s densely-populated neighborhoods with higher-than-average concentrations of poverty. Through CPI, the City is investing $318 million in capital dollars to make renovations to 67 parks citywide that have not undergone significant improvements in decades.

DEP manages New York City’s water supply, providing more than 1 billion gallons of water each day to more than 9.6 million residents, including 8.6 million in New York City. The water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the city, comprising 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs, and 7,500 miles of sewer lines and 96 pump stations take wastewater to 14 in-city treatment plants. DEP has nearly 6,000 employees, including almost 1,000 in the upstate watershed. In addition, DEP has a robust capital program, with a planned $19.4 billion in investments over the next 10 years that will create up to 3,000 construction-related jobs per year. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.