Willowbrook Park

Natural Features

Nestled in the Willowbrook neighborhood of Staten Island, Willowbrook Park spans 164 acres of green space that's part of the Staten Island Greenbelt - one of NYC's largest interconnected park systems. We love how this park offers a little bit of everything nature-wise.

Wandering through, you'll discover yourself surrounded by lowland forests, swamps, and a particularly beautiful red maple swamp. The diversity of trees here is impressive - tulip trees reaching skyward, willows swaying in the breeze, and red maples adding splashes of color throughout the seasons.

Willowbrook Lake

At the heart of the park sits Willowbrook Lake, a man-made pond dating back to 1932. It's not just pretty to look at - it acts as both a fishing spot and a bird sanctuary.

If you're into wildlife watching, you'll appreciate the variety of waterfowl that call this lake home, from Canada geese to various duck species. On sunny days, you might spot turtles basking along the shoreline. The paved trail circling the lake makes for an easy, pleasant walk with plenty of opportunities to take in the scenery.

Recreational Opportunities

Whether you're looking to get active or just enjoy the outdoors, Willowbrook Park offers plenty of options. Sports enthusiasts can make use of five baseball diamonds and tennis courts, while the archery range offers something a bit different (it's open from early morning until evening, with a special time slot from 7am to 9am when dogs are allowed while the range isn't in use).

The walking trails here are particularly enjoyable - well-maintained paths that wind through natural areas, offering peaceful routes for hiking, jogging, or walking your dog. If you're feeling adventurous, some trails connect to the larger Greenbelt system for a more extended nature experience. History buffs might want to check out the white trail, which leads to the Corson's family chimney ruins.

Carousel for All Children

One of the park's standout attractions has to be the Carousel for All Children, which opened in 1999. This isn't your average merry-go-round - it's a Victorian-style carousel featuring 51 hand-carved wooden figures ranging from mythical creatures to endangered species and classic carousel horses.

True to its name, the carousel is fully accessible to everyone. It typically runs on weekends from 11am, and at $3 per ride (with parents riding free alongside their children), it's an affordable bit of joy.

Picnic Areas and Amenities

The picnic area here is well-equipped - with tables and BBQ grills shaded by trees, it's great for family get-togethers or casual outdoor meals. Its location near the playground and carousel is convenient if you're visiting with kids.

You'll come across clean restrooms within the park, but keep in mind they usually close at dusk. There's also ample parking, so you won't have to worry about where to leave your car while exploring.

Playground

Near the picnic area and carousel, you'll come across a children's playground. While not enormous, it offers the classics - slides and climbing structures that keep younger visitors entertained. It's a nice spot for kids to burn off some energy while parents can keep an eye on them from nearby.

History

The park has an interesting backstory, originally acquired from the Staten Island Water Supply back in 1909 and growing through additional land acquisitions over the years.

It's worth noting that the park is located near the former Willowbrook State School, which became infamous in the 1970s for its poor conditions. That exposure ultimately led to important reforms in how people with developmental disabilities are cared for throughout the country.

Today, Willowbrook Park provides a place where you can connect with nature, stay active, or simply enjoy some fresh air without leaving the city.