STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — NYC officials cut the ribbon on the newly upgraded Schmul Park Playground in Travis, celebrating improvements designed to enhance play and resiliency for the community.
The project added new play equipment, including distinct play areas for children of various age groups, fencing, a spray shower and safety surfacing. The upgrades were funded by $2.4 million from the borough president’s office and $389,000 from the mayor’s office.
“This site is an essential space for Staten Islanders to play, stay fit, and easily access the beauty of the neighboring Freshkills Park, and we’re proud to unveil the revamped space for community members to enjoy,” said Borough Parks Commissioner Joseph Homsey.
The historic park, donated to NYC in 1938, now features modernized play equipment, spray showers, and improved stormwater management systems.Courtesy of NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
The redesigned playground includes features accessible to children of all ages, with specific areas for those 2 to 5 and 5 to 12 years old, along with a central play structure inspired by the topography of nearby Freshkills Park.
In addition, the project also improved stormwater management to make Schmul Park more resilient to severe weather and help prevent flooding.
Borough President Vito Fossella expressed pride in the project, saying the renovated playground ensures the park is ready for young families and the Travis community to enjoy.
“We are pleased to cut the ribbon on the brand-new, fully equipped playground at Schmul Park,” he said. “As the gateway to Freshkills Park, we want Schmul Park to be in the best shape possible.”
From working farm to modern play space, Schmul Park’s transformation includes specialized play zones, spray showers, and flood-resistant features while honoring its 87-year legacy.Courtesy of NYC Parks/Daniel Avila
The property, once a working farm, was donated to the city in 1938 by Louis and Hermine Schmul to provide a space intended for use by the neighborhood’s children. Today, Schmul Park continues to serve children, also offering handball and basketball courts, a baseball diamond, native plantings, and a pedestrian entrance connecting to the North Park section of Freshkills Park.
The playground officially reopened to the public on Saturday, Nov. 1, providing an inclusive and revitalized space for young families and residents to enjoy.
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