Two Staten Island parks now have their first permanent public restroom facilities following ribbon-cutting ceremonies led by local officials.
NYC Parks Staten Island Borough Commissioner Joseph G. Homsey and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella joined community members to celebrate the completion of restroom buildings at Owl Hollow Fields and Seaside Wildlife Nature Park, both located in Great Kills.
The additions address a longstanding need at both locations, which draw significant visitor traffic. Owl Hollow Fields hosts local sports leagues at its four synthetic turf soccer fields, while Seaside Wildlife Nature Park attracts families to its nautical-themed playground and 20 acres of coastal wilderness.
“All New Yorkers deserve access to clean, reliable, and accessible public restrooms to ensure that everyone can fully enjoy our public spaces,” Homsey said. “We’re thrilled to bring restroom buildings to these popular borough destinations for the first time, and that they were constructed with resiliency and accessibility in mind.”
At Owl Hollow Fields in Freshkills Park, the $4.41 million project funded by the NYC Mayor’s Office delivered the site’s first public restroom since the 20-acre park opened in 2013. The facility includes a drinking fountain, bottle fillers and maintenance space for parks staff.
Owl Hollow Fields opened in 2013 but had no permanent restroom until now.Advance/SILive.com | Shaina McLawrence
“I’m super happy about it. We’ve had porta potties forever. It wasn’t great, especially when it gets this hot. You get 200 people here sometimes— especially on soccer game days,” said Owl Hollow park visitor Jared Wells of Bulls Head said. “When those tournaments happen there’s at least 50 to 200 people here. The bathrooms have been great.”
According to Wells, the restrooms were a much needed upgrade to the park.
“I can’t believe it took them this long and they’re shaded,” he added.
The building meets current energy efficiency standards and features a green roof. Construction was coordinated with a road project connecting to Arthur Kill Road to ensure visitors can reach the restrooms without crossing traffic.
The Seaside Wildlife Nature Park project cost $6.765 million, with funding from the NYC Mayor’s Office and City Council. The universally accessible facility was built above the flood plain to withstand climate-related impacts and includes ADA-compliant access ramps. The project added sustainable features including a green roof, rain garden, new pathways and plantings.
The city has 66 total restroom capital projects underway through 2029.Advance/SILive.com | Shaina McLawrence
“It is a good idea, bathrooms are always good — you never know what’s gonna happen,” said Carol, a parkgoer from Great Kills. “It’s helpful for people walking and the kids playing.”
Fossella noted the timing of the openings, with Owl Hollow ready for World Cup activities and Seaside Park prepared for summer visitors.
“Many Staten Islanders come to enjoy these scenic open spaces, and these facilities will help people do so at their fullest,” Fossella said.
The two projects are part of a broader citywide effort. NYC Parks expects to complete 15 capital projects delivering new or reconstructed restroom facilities in 2026, with 66 total projects underway through 2029.
Both facilities feature green roofs and ADA-compliant access.Advance/SILive.com | Shaina McLawrence