Published: Jul. 26, 2024, 11:55 a.m.
By Tracey Porpora | porpora@siadvance.com
City Council Minority Leader Joseph Borelli (R-South Shore) and his son, John, 4 at Owl Hollow. (Courtesy of Frank Rapacciuolo)
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Infused with a $4.6 million City Council allocation, the turf fields at Owl Hollow in Freshkills Park, which are used by sports leagues across the borough, will soon be refurbished.
City Council Minority Leader Joseph Borelli (R-South Shore) on Friday said the funds — provided by City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget agreement — will be used to replace the turf and underlayment, install shock absorption layers, and regrade the highly-utilized Greenridge fields.
Borelli’s office said the design phase for the project is hoped to begin as soon as possible, and construction is expected to be complete within two years.
“The World Cup, the Euro Cup, Copa America…just leisurely pick-up games compared to the fierce battles on the pitch that take place almost every week at Owl Hollow. And these fields have the wear and tear to show for it,” said Borelli. “These funds will once again transform this site into a state-of-the-art sports facility, where maybe the next Messi or Beckham or Hamm will be able to perfect their skills. I thank the speaker once again for partnering with me on this important project.”
The soccer fields at Owl Hollow, a 20-acre area adjacent to Arden Heights Woods, opened in April 2013, after nearly eight years of design and construction. The site includes four synthetic turf soccer fields, two of which are lighted; a loop pedestrian path encircling the fields; parking; and landscaped lawns.
“Investments in quality outdoor spaces are critical to maintaining physical and mental health and building a sense of community,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “This important renovation of Owl Hollow soccer field ensures that players and spectators will be able to enjoy these fields for years to come. I thank Minority Leader Joe Borelli for his leadership in turning Owl Hollow into a state-of-the-arts facility and securing meaningful quality-of-life improvements for New Yorkers.
Diana DiLeo, president of the Staten Island Youth Soccer League said Owl Hollow fields are used by more than 4,000 players in the Staten Island’s youth soccer league.
“We are so grateful for Councilman Borelli and his staff who have worked diligently to secure the funding necessary to resurface the fields on which we play 80 games a day on the weekends and hold many practice sessions and weeknight games as well,” said DiLeo.
In March, Parks also broke ground on the first public restroom at Owl Hollow, which will include environmentally friendly features, such as a green roof, as well as a water fountain, bottle fillers and maintenance facilities. It is expected to open next spring.
Owl Hollow is part of the 2,200-acre Freshkills Park, the site of the former world’s largest landfill that has now is one of world’s largest nature reclamation projects, roughly three times the size of Central Park. In October, the city opened the first official phase of the multi-billion-dollar project, North Park. North Park features a 21-acre path along the side of north mound to expansive views of the creeks, a composting comfort station, a bird tower and a wetland overlook deck.
“This funding will significantly upgrade the Owl Hollow Soccer Fields, improving the playing experience for the thousands of youth soccer players who use the fields on a regular basis. We are grateful for Council Minority Leader Joe Borelli’s investment in this project and for his continued support of our borough’s parks,” said Parks Borough Commissioner Lynda Ricciardone. “Along with our current Parks project to construct new restrooms at Owl Hollow, we are committed to making this widely used park the best it can be.”
The entire Freshkills Park is slated for completion in 2036.