Usually, a landfill is no place for tourists, but Fresh Kills is an exception. The garbage dump on Staten Island was opened in 1947, and by the end of the century, it has become the largest human-made structure in the world, rising taller than the Statue of Liberty. Currently, the dump is going through a transformation to become one of New York’s largest parks.
Fresh Kills Landfill used to receive 13,000 tons of garbage daily. It rapidly grew until 12 square miles of household waste was stored there. By the 1960s, it had become a headache with bad smells, feral animals and rats taking over. However, birds were brought in to solve the rat problem.
Freshkills Park is supposed to be finished by 2040. It would be 2.7 times larger than Central Park and would offer biking, horseback riding, and wilderness areas. Bus tours at Freshkills for private groups are available on select weekdays between April and November.
Practical info
When is the best time to visit Fresh Kills Park?
One can visit Fresh Kills Park from April to November, which is the ideal time for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. Bus tours for private groups are available on selected weekdays within the mentioned period. Show more
Where is Fresh Kills Park located in New York?
Fresh Kills Park is situated in Staten Island, one of New York City's five boroughs. It can be easily accessed via the West Shore Expressway. The park is located at 350 Wild Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10314. Show more
What activities can visitors do in Fresh Kills Park?
Fresh Kills Park offers guests plenty of outdoor activities, including exploring the wilderness areas, biking, and horseback riding. If you join a bus tour, you'll learn about the park's history and development. For a more relaxing day, visitors can take a stroll to see the park's scenic views or have a picnic. Show more
What was the garbage capacity of Fresh Kills Landfill?
Fresh Kills Landfill was collecting nearly 13,000 tons of garbage daily, growing rapidly to cover almost 12 square miles with household waste. During the 1960s, the garbage dump caused many problems like obnoxious odors, infestation of feral animals and rats. The landfill became so enormous that it stood taller than the Statue of Liberty. Show more
How does Fresh Kills Park compare to Central Park in size?
Fresh Kills Park is a massive park that is 2.7 times bigger than Central Park, making it one of the largest parks in the world. Central Park boasts of distinct recreational activities, diverse gardens and performance venues. In comparison, Fresh Kills differentiates itself from being historically significant as the world's largest landfill and its unique transformation into a park. Show more
