Discovery Day events in June and September provided free access to hundreds of acres and miles of trails in the otherwise closed site, with opportunities to explore and learn about the landfill-to-park project.
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2018: Reclaimed Lands Conference
The four-day Reclaimed Lands Conference brought together researchers, practitioners, planners, ecologists, artists, designers, community groups, and students to bridge the gaps between disciplines and productively explore the issues and initiatives surrounding these post-industrial reclaimed landscapes. With field trips and panels at NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program at NYU Tisch, participants discussed topics like monitoring changes in biodiversity, designing ecologically sustainable re-development, engaging residents in stewardship, and transforming public perceptions.
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2018: Studio + Gallery Opens
The Freshkills Park Studio + Gallery on Richmond Avenue began exhibiting work in early 2018. The space is open on select days for programs and viewing hours. The art and cultural programs offered aim to promote understanding of and access to the landfill-to-park transformation; develop innovative strategies in ecological restoration; and incite socio-environmental change through education and demonstration.
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2017: North Park Groundbreaking
November 9: NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver joined Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia, Staten Island Deputy Borough President Ed Burke and Assembly Member Michael Cusick to break ground on phase one of North Park. The 21-acre section of the former Fresh Kills landfill will be the first section inside the Fresh Kills Landfill boundaries to open to public.
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2017: New “Field R/D” Art Project Begins
In the spring, artists began participating in a new art-research project called Freshkills Park: Field R/D. Organized by artist/curator Dylan Gauthier and Freshkills Park’s Mariel Villeré, the project involves independent and collaborative research, site visits and field trips, shared meals and conversations over the course of several months. The goal of Field R/D is to work with artists to develop an approach for bringing exhibitions, discussions and event series to Freshkills Park.
(Photo: Dylan Gauthier)
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2016: “Freshkills Park: Landscape in Motion” Photography Exhibition
Installed September 22 – November 26, 2016 at the Staten Island Arts Culture Lounge in the St. George Staten Island Ferry Terminal, “Freshkills Park: Landscape in Motion” was the exhibition capstone to a landscape photography competition organized by Freshkills Park with the Staten Island Advance. The exhibition told the story of the site transformation from landfill to park through photography and featured 12 winning photographs of the competition alongside historical photographs from the Staten Island Institute archives and a virtual reality feature of Freshkills Park. Learn more.
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2016: Discovery Days
On May 15th, June 26th, and September 18th, a total of over 4,000 visitors had the chance to explore 700 acres and 8 miles of the otherwise closed site with free tours and recreation.
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2016: Freshkills Park is Named One Of Five “Anchor Parks”
Mayor Bill de Blasio, Council Speaker Melissa Mark Viverito, and NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver announced that the City will invest $150 million in major improvements at five large parks under the new Anchor Parks initiative. This funding will allow NYC Parks to open up new sections of Freshkills Park. Read More
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2015: Discovery Days
Over 4,500 people visited the park during public events in 2015. Two Discovery Days offered visitors the chance to discover the landfill-to-park project with kayaking, bikes, tours, and miles of hiking trails.