Mayor Adams Unveils $30 Million Plan to Revitalize Staten Island Parks and Cultural Institutions

Mayor Eric Adams announced nearly $30 million in investments to enhance various parks and cultural institutions across Staten Island during a press conference held at the Staten Island Zoo on December 4, 2025. This funding aims to improve the quality of life for residents by upgrading public spaces and providing new recreational opportunities.

Key improvements will be made in Bloomingdale Park, Snug Harbor Cultural Center, and the Staten Island Zoo. The Bloomingdale Park Playground will undergo a significant transformation, incorporating new play equipment, a spray play area, safety fencing, and updated utility systems. These enhancements will create a vibrant environment where children and families can gather safely. The reconstruction project will begin its design phase in the spring of 2026, following community input sessions to gather local ideas for the space (Source: https://youtu.be/wGhW2sUpQ9c&t=753).

At Snug Harbor, investments will modernize the Staten Island Museum and the Noble Maritime Collection, providing lab classrooms for students and improved air conditioning for visitors (Source: https://youtu.be/wGhW2sUpQ9c&t=683). The culture center will now better showcase local heritage while facilitating educational experiences.

Additionally, the Staten Island Zoo will see enhancements, including the establishment of a new interactive education center designed to engage visitors with sensory-focused exhibits featuring both people and animals (Source: https://youtu.be/wGhW2sUpQ9c&t=353). These developments are part of a broader initiative to increase access to educational and cultural programming for children and families throughout Staten Island.

Community leaders have expressed excitement about the potential for these investments to enhance not just recreational opportunities, but also public safety and community cohesion in the area. Borough President Vito Fossella highlighted the collaboration between the administration and local leaders in securing this funding, emphasizing a commitment to serving Staten Island residents (Source: https://youtu.be/wGhW2sUpQ9c&t=1093).

The investment comes as part of an ongoing effort by the city to prioritize parks and public spaces throughout all five boroughs. Mayor Adams has advocated for equitable resource distribution to ensure that no borough, including Staten Island, is neglected in the allocation of city funds for public amenities (Source: https://youtu.be/wGhW2sUpQ9c&t=515).

In summary, the coordinated investments of $30 million aim to revolutionize key parks and cultural sites in Staten Island, thereby enhancing outdoor recreational options, educational resources, and community engagement for all residents.