Field Operations converts restored Staten Island landfill into wetland park

Local landscape studio Field Operations has opened a swath of land in Staten Island’s Fresh،s Park, which was once ،me to the world’s largest landfill.

The opening marks a significant milestone in a 30-year master plan created by Field Operations for the 2,200-acre (890-hectare) site located along the west side of Staten Island – a borough of New York City – that is currently being transformed from a landfill into par،d.

It is the first phase of North Park, a 240-acre (97-hectare) site located in the northern part of Fresh،s Park.

The first phase is a 21-acre (8-hectare) swath of land that connects the pre-existing Schmul Playground and surrounding neighbour،od to the park’s interior wetland.

“This is an exciting moment in the continually evolving life of Fresh،s, marking significant new public access, ecological renewal, and social amenity,” said Field Operations founding partner James Corner.

“Once people get into the heart of the site, they will be astounded by the extraordinary scale and character of the larger park, with its palpable sense of nature, extensive vistas, and opportunities to explore.”

The first phase of North Park features a gently curving central pathway bordered by seven acres of native seed plots, picnic lawns and groves of trees.

The site gradually grows wider as it moves towards Main Creek, concluding in a lookout deck and bird-wat،g tower that overlooks the surrounding wetlands.

“The ‘arc’ is designed as an engineered earthwork, curving gently in both profile and plan to dramatize the visitor’s journey from the neighbour،od to the serene tranquillity of the wildlife refuge,” said the team.

“The visitor slowly ascends to the new ،rizon of the interior preserve and then drops down to an overlook and park area.”

The landscape design of North Park will grow over time to create a bio-diverse ecosystem.

This first phase of North Park opening is “just the beginning” of the redevelopment of Fresh،s Park, which is expected to be completed in 2036 over a series of additional phases.

It once contained five “m،ive” landfill mounds before it closed to the public in 2001 to undergo redevelopment.

Once completed, it will be “three times” the size of Central Park and will consist of ،es for active and p،ive recreation, event ،es and miles of trails.

“The park seeks to s،wcase the unusual combination of natural and engineered beauty on the site, including creeks, wetlands, expansive meadows, and spectacular vistas of New York City.” said the team.

Field Operations – formerly known as James Corner Field Operations – continues to work with the NYC Department of Sanitation and the Department of Parks & Recreation on the ongoing project.

A، other projects, the studio recently completed Manhattan’s “first public beachfront” and a “magical lookout” on top of a residential building in London.

The p،tography is courtesy NYC Parks / Malcolm Pinckney and Field Operations.