When it comes to the parks on Staten Island’s North Shore, most people would agree that Clove Lakes Park and Silver Lake Park are among the most popular. Hundreds of people visit these parks daily, taking full advantage of the trails, dog parks, playgrounds, and the beautiful scenery that sitting quietly by the lake provides. Yet, there is another park in the Westerleigh section of Staten Island’s North Shore that gives residents of this neighborhood a good reason to brag: Westerleigh Park.
Settled within just one-square block, this quaint park may be small, but it has a lot to offer in both history and charm. Since the park, and the heart of Westerleigh itself, is set away from the busy streets that surround it, it offers a quiet, comfortable and shady place to relax. As Staten Island’s North Shore realtor, I find this feature to be very appealing to individuals who are looking to move to Staten Island and want to find a home that will serve as a quiet retreat from the commotion of the city.
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-19th and early-20th centuries by keeping traffic and noise levels much lower than other areas of Staten Island, 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. On any given evening, you can find Westerleigh Park alive with the sounds of music, laughter and other features of a dynamic community coming together.
Looking for something to do this weekend? Whether you reside in Westerleigh or not, there are many events taking place this weekend and throughout the summer that are sure to bring you out to Westerleigh Park:
- June 21, 2013: Make Music New York (link www.makemusicny.org) 1pm- 10pm
- June 23, 2013: Patriotic Sunday 2pm- 4pm
- July 9, 2013: Young Artists in the Park (takes place every Tuesday) 10am- 12pm
Friends of Westerleigh Park maintains the park grounds as a service to the community. They also host a number of events throughout the year, including a festival and tree-lighting ceremony, a soap box derby, Halloween events, concerts, folk festivals and much, much more! Check out their website for more information on upcoming events.
For those looking to buy a home on the North Shore of Staten Island, the quiet streets, close-knit neighborhood feel, community events, and beautiful, historic homes are only a few features that draw people to Westerleigh. If you’re looking to move to a section of Staten Island that has more of a “small town” feel, check out my website for listings in Westerleigh. You won’t be disappointed in what Staten Island’s North Shore realtor, Holly Wiesner-Olivieri, can offer you.