From Behind the Mounds: Discovering Freshkills Park
On June 7th, Freshkills Park will open its gates for Discovery Day. The event is a chance to spend the afternoon exploring the trails, kayaking in the waterways, and experiencing the panoramic views that the Park has to offer.
Meet Megan, our new seasonal programming associate
As the new Seasonal Programming Associate, I recently discovered Freshkills Park for the first time. NYC Parks Conservation Corps Fellows Eva Neves and Rachel Boeglin led a tour for a group of middle school students one sunny Wednesday morning. We all climbed the path to the top of the North Mound and looked at the Manhattan skyline, surrounded by miles of blue sky and cumulus clouds, and talked about how everyone can voice their opinion and help design the Park.
Discovery Day is a free opportunity for people of all ages to discover Freshkills Park. Thanks to Kayak Staten Island, a kayaking program will be available from 11am to 3pm. NYC Audubon will lead a nature hike near the creek, bicycles will be available for riding the trails, and a bus to the scenic overlook will run throughout the day.
After growing up in Staten Island and experiencing the ways in which the Fresh Kills Landfill affected the community before closing in 2001, I was astounded to see the green landscapes and vistas that now occupy the area. I look forward to discovering more about this landfill-to-park project and sharing my excitement at events like Discovery Day.
