Westerleigh

Westerleigh’s residential core and feel is that of small town America. Tree lined streets, historical homes, ballpark, park, and a neighborly friendly atmosphere. Westerleigh is located in the northwest quadrant of Staten Island. Bounded in the east by Manor Road, the west by the Martin Luther King Jr. Expressway, the south by Victory Boulevard and to the north by Forest Avenue, Westerleigh is a residential area of mostly single family homes, with close access to the Staten Island Expressway as well as public transportation.
Westerleigh is historically known for its role during the temperance movement. A temperance group called the National Prohibition Campground Association bought 25 acres of land in this area in 1877, and named the property “Prohibition Park.” Many of the local streets are actually named after early leaders of the Prohibition movement (Neal Dow, Clinton B. Fisk), or for states that supported anti-liquor laws (such as Maine and Ohio). Westerleigh Park acts as the unofficial “heart” of the North Shore neighborhood, and hosts many community events, such as concerts and festivals.

PS 30, The Westerleigh School

Located in the heart of Westerleigh, at 200 Wardwell Avenue, this neighborhood school serves Westerleigh residents in a zone that is bordered by Victory Boulevard on the south and Forest Avenue on the north (east and west borders vary). Over 800 students in grades K-5 attend this school, with full-day Universal Pre-K classes offered as well. According to their website, located at www.ps30.org, “the mission of the PS 30 family is to provide each student with a diverse education in a safe and supportive environment.” The school strives to support students at all educational levels, and work with parents and caregivers as valuable partners in education.

Boy Scout Troop 2

Operating out of Immanuel Union Church, located at 693 Jewett Avenue, this Boy Scout Troop is the oldest Boy Scout Troop on Staten Island, and is one of the oldest troops in the country.

The troop was founded in 1909 when Westerleigh resident returned from a trip to England where he met with Boy Scout’s founder Lord Baden Powell.

Originally, the troop met in a Westerleigh home on what is now Markham Place and was chartered in 1912 as Troop 114. A few years later, the Troop was re-designated as Troop 2 when a Staten Island Council of the Boy Scouts of America was formed.

Meetings for Troop 2 were held at Immanuel Union Church, which was then known as Deems Chapel. The Troop continues to meet there weekly.

For more information, visit http://www.statenislandboyscouts.com/.

Westerleigh Park

This small, quaint park has a lot to offer in history and charm. Formerly named “Prohibition Park,” the site of Westerleigh Park is bordered by Maine, Springfield, Neal Dow, and Willard Avenues. It was donated by the National Prohibition Party to New York City in 1907, with the understanding that it would be used for public recreational purposes and events.

Over a century later, the park and its supporters continue to do just that for its residents. The Westerleigh neighborhood have successfully preserved the ‘simple-life’ philosophy of the late-19^thand early-20^th centuries by keeping traffic and noise levels low, and community life active and close-knit.

Lined with wooden benches and green lawns, the park is home to many different types of foliage, and contains a central bandstand that hosts many concerts, theatrical productions, children’s events and festivals throughout the year.

For more information, visit www.westerleighpark.com.

Westerleigh Tennis Club

Westerleigh Tennis Club: Westerleigh happens to be the home of the oldest tennis club in the United States. Tucked away between College and Jewett Avenues, at the foot of Clinton B. Fiske Avenue, the courts here were actually the first red clay courts in the United States.

Mary Ewing Outerbridge introduced the sport of tennis to the US after seeing the game played in Bermuda. Upon her return to Staten Island, she brought the game back to the Walker Park Cricket Club in Snug Harbor/Livingston in 1874.

The Westerleigh Tennis Club was established at 369 College Avenue in 1910, and currently has the original three private tennis courts and the original club house, all recently restored.

For more information, call (718) 273-2462.

Jimmy Max Restaurant

Located at 280 Watchogue Road with a second location in Great Kills at 150K Greaves Lane, Jimmy Max is an informal child and family-friendly restaurant. Offering pizza and familiar Italian fare, Jimmy Max also serves up seafood, gluten free pizza and much more.

With a separate bar area and party room, they also offer on and off-site catering and can accommodate private parties. They also host birthday parties and offer free Children’s Pizza Making, with the purchase of an adult entrée or pizza (Monday and Tuesdays only, from 5-7:30pm).

For more information, visit www.jimmymax.com.

Northerleigh Park and Westerleigh Little Guys and Gals

Northerleigh Park (also known as Northfield Park or North Avenue Park) is located on North Avenue near Neal Down Avenue. Home of the Westerleigh Little League for Boys and Girls (also known as Westerleigh Little Guys and Gals), Northerleigh Park is an emblem of the pride that local residents take in their community.

In the 1960’s, Westerleigh Little Guys and Gals began to develop a part of Northerleigh Park as a baseball field. Decades later, the club continues to offer baseball and softball for boys and girls ages 5-13 and continues to be a cherished part of the Westerleigh neighborhood.