New York City has unveiled design plans for a $9.92 million renovation of Wolfe’s Pond Park in Staten Island, featuring an expanded, fully accessible playground and the addition of three new pickleball courts. The playground, located at 420 Cornelia St. in Prince’s Bay, will include inclusive equipment suitable for children of all abilities, with distinct play areas for ages 2-5 and 5-12. Key features include accessible swings, a sensory spiral, water play with sprinklers, a quiet play zone, nature exploration, and an elevated walkway leading to ship-themed play structures. The playground will be fenced and offer ample seating, enhancing accessibility and enjoyment for families.
The project, dubbed the “field of dreams,” was announced in late 2023 by local officials and organizations supporting children with disabilities. The design phase is expected to conclude by spring 2026, followed by procurement and 12 to 18 months of construction, with no set opening date yet. Once completed, Wolfe’s Pond Park will complement other inclusive playgrounds in Staten Island, such as the E.M.T. Christopher J. Prescott Sensory Playground, which opened in 2021 and caters to children with autism and sensory processing disorders.