Staten Island will receive nearly $30 million for local parks and recreational areas, Mayor Eric Adams and Borough President Vito Fossella announced. The funding, part of the Fiscal Year 2026 Adopted Budget, will support upgrades to Bloomingdale Park playground, Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, and the Staten Island Zoo. Mayor Adams said, "Public space in our city is precious, and we cherish every inch of it — no matter where it is, no matter what borough it is in," noting that the investment is part of the administration’s broader budget plan, according to the City of New York.
Residents will see updates at Bloomingdale Park playground, including new play equipment, a spray play area, and upgraded lighting. At the same time, the Snug Harbor Cultural Center is scheduled for infrastructure improvements aimed at enhancing security and energy efficiency, alongside the Staten Island Museum, which is preparing a STEAM-focused expansion.
The Staten Island Zoo is set to receive a new interactive education center, designed to accommodate children and guests with sensory or developmental disabilities, as reported by the City of New York. Ken Mitchell, executive director of the Staten Island Zoo, stated that support from Mayor Adams and Borough President Fossella allows the zoo to move the project into the planning stage. The new "Learn & Play Zone" is expected to be added to the zoo’s offerings in the near future.
The Noble Maritime Collection is receiving funding for a new air system to support guest comfort and the preservation of maritime artifacts. Megan Beck, executive director of the collection, acknowledged the support from Mayor Adams, Commissioner Cumbo, and the Department of Cultural Affairs. Other Staten Island institutions, including the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, have also recognized the investments, with President and CEO Jessica Vodoor describing them as a contribution to the ongoing development of cultural facilities.
