Freshkills Park
Rate this placeNearby: Fresh Kills Park Schmul Playground
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Freshkills Park is a public park located in Staten Island, New York that covers over 2,200 acres of land.
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Summary
The park was once a landfill site but has since been transformed into a stunning park filled with diverse habitats, scenic views, and recreational opportunities. While the park is technically located in New York, it is easily accessible from New Jersey and is a popular destination for residents of the state.
There are many reasons to visit Freshkills Park, including its unique history and stunning natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, birdwatching, and kayaking in the park's expansive green spaces, wetlands, and waterways. Some of the most popular points of interest in the park include the North Park, the South Park, and the East Mound, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area from its 400-foot summit.
There are also many interesting facts about Freshkills Park that make it a unique destination. For example, it is home to more than 200 species of birds and is considered one of the best birdwatching locations in the New York City area. Additionally, the park features a state-of-the-art visitor center, which offers educational exhibits and programming for visitors of all ages.
The best time of year to visit Freshkills Park depends on personal preferences and the activities you plan to do. During the summer months, the park is bustling with activity and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. In the fall and winter, the park's stunning foliage and snow-covered landscapes make for a beautiful and serene setting.
Overall, Freshkills Park is a top destination for nature lovers and those looking to experience the beauty and diversity of New York's natural landscape. Whether you're looking to hike, bike, birdwatch, or simply enjoy a picnic with family and friends, this unique park has something for everyone.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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