With Over 170 parks, it is no wonder that Staten Island is called "The Greenest Borough." There are more than 12,300 acres of protected parkland – that's more than one third of the Island's total land mass! One can see rare variety of parks at Staten Islands. There is ice skating at Clove lakes, and swimming at South and Midland Beaches. Go horseback riding at Clay Pit Ponds State park of bird watching at Mount Loretto Nature Preserve. Traditional parks with playgrounds and ball fields give way to vast forests. Staten Island's parks have something for everyone!
Willowbrook Park – This park features wildlife, ball fields, paths and the Carousel for all Children. Since 1999, this Victorian inspired ride has been delighting children and the young at heart. While riders can clamber onto traditional horses, they also have their choice of mythical beasts and endangered creatures, all of which are hand crafted and beautifully painted. And with a cost of $1 and fully-accessibility for those with physical impairments, anyone can ride.
Greenbelt Nature Center – The new Greenbelt Nature Canter, at Rockland Avenue, opened in 2004. It is the gateway to the Greenbelt and offers the best starting point for hiking trails and exploring. This greenbelt provides view of forest as Far as the eye can see in the big city. Moses Mountain in the Greenbelt provides a bird's eye view of the Greenbelt forest canopy. With spectacular views of the Greenbelt's 2800 acres of parkland, this Moses Mountain is just one of the many places you go to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life. The Greenbelt is a contiguous series of forests, meadows, wetlands, ponds and parks that stretch across the heart of Staten Island. At three times the size of Central Park, it is easy to spend a day wandering through vast natural area. Along the perimeter are LaTourette Park, with its beautiful golf course, Willowbrook Park, and High Rock Park, which is home to a visitor's center and is the starting point for many hiking trails. The William T. Davis Wildlife Refuge, the first of its kind in New York City, is a wonderful place for bird watching. All this and more await the intrepid naturalist.
South Beach – Since the 19th Century, Staten Island's Eastern shore has been a heaven for tourists and beach bathers. The pride of the shoreline is the South Beach Boardwalk which stretches almost two miles! Recently restored, the Boardwalk area is enjoying a renaissance. New playing fields, a world-class fishing pier and the clean, and lifeguard manned beach make this a popular destination for family fun. A day at the beach with a view of the City: It’s a "shore thing" on Staten Island.
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