NYC is about to get a 407-acre state park.
On Wednesday, September 5, Governor Cuomo announced the 2019 summer opening of the Shirley Chisholm State Park. Named after the Brooklyn-born politician Shirley Chisholm—the first black woman to be elected to Congress in addition to being the first black candidate, and first woman, to run for President—this will be the largest state park in NYC. In a statement made by Cuomo he said
“Shirley Chisholm led the fight to improve the health and wellness of underserved communities that we carry on today with the Vital Brooklyn initiative, and we are proudly naming this park after her in admiration for the example of leadership and devotion she set for all of us.”
The park is planned to open the first phase next summer and will offer: 10 miles of trails for hiking and biking, including bike connector paths that will ultimately join the Pennsylvania and Fountain Avenue properties, waterfront access for kayaking, pop-up environmental education, a pier with a shade structure, picnic areas, concessions, comfort facilities, welcome and way-finding signage and a park office.
Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul added,
“Our work to revitalize Brooklyn continues with a transformational new state park named in honor of one of the greatest women in New York State history. Throughout my career, I’ve looked to Shirley Chisholm as a role model and a strong woman who fought for her community. Her inspiration helped guide me toward a life of public service. It is an appropriate recognition to name this park for a Congresswoman and presidential candidate who spent her time in office working to move Brooklyn and our nation forward. This new state park is an important component of our Vital Brooklyn initiative and will enhance recreational opportunities and improve the quality of life for Brooklyn residents.”
The park will be located along Jamaica Bay, and will be only a 10 minute walk for anyone living in the Central Brooklyn area. Here are renderings of the park released by the Governor’s office.
