10/10/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/10/2025 14:59
NYC PARKS CELEBRATES THE NAMING CEREMONY OF COTTAGES HILL NEW BRIGHTON PARK IN STATEN ISLAND
Celebration to restore the original name of the beloved park, rooted in the history of the area
NYC Parks Borough Commissioner Joseph G. Homsey today joined Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, Assembly Member Charles D. Fall, Council Member Kamillah M. Hanks, and members of the community to celebrate the naming ceremony for Cottages Hill New Brighton Park (formerly Skyline Playground) in Staten Island. A new sign bearing the name "Cottages Hill New Brighton Park" was unveiled at the ceremony.
The event marked the restoration of the original name of the park, which has particular significance for the local community. This name honors the site's history and the contributions of the Cottages Hill Neighborhood Association and the New Brighton community members who helped to bring the park into existence.
"We are proud to celebrate with the neighborhood that was instrumental in establishing this park, as we return it to its original name, recognizing the diverse identity, history, and shared pride of this community," said NYC Parks Staten Island Borough Commissioner Joseph G. Homsey.
"Cottages Hill New Brighton Park has always been a cherished part of our North Shore, and this name restoration reflects the resiliency of the New Brighton community while preserving its rich history. I am proud to have advocated for this restoration alongside community leaders from the New Brighton Civic. I am so excited for all the joy that this park will bring, and I am looking forward to all of the memories that will be created here," said Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton.
"The renaming of Skyline Playground is a step towards progress for our community. We look forward to seeing Cottages Hill New Brighton Park continue to unite our friends and families, while preserving the pride and purpose that defines Staten Island," said Assembly Member Charles D. Fall. "I am grateful to NYC Parks and to everyone who worked tirelessly to turn this vision into reality for the families of New Brighton."
"We are excited that the park currently known as Skyline Park will be restored to Cottages Hill New Brighton Park. That name exemplifies the park as a historic cornerstone and symbol of the camaraderie of the neighborhood. We have long supported the effort of the local civics and residents to honor their community in this way, and we thank the Parks Department for bringing about this welcome return to form," said Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella.
Following the 1977 fire that destroyed Public School (P.S.) 17 located on this site, the Cottages Hill Neighborhood Association was awarded a federal grant to build a playground on a portion of this now empty land. After collective effort by the New Brighton Citizens Committee, Inc., the Cottages Hill Neighborhood Association, and Community Board 1, the former site of P.S.17, along with its schoolyard and playground, were transferred to NYC Parks to become a new city park. A $1.35 million renovation of the park began in 1993. This project involved the installation of new play equipment with safety surfacing, tennis courts, benches, a picnic area, pavements, curbs, fencing, drainage and water supply, and reinforced concrete walls. The park was relandscaped with new trees, shrubs, ground cover, and lawns. The new parkland opened in 1994. Two years later, recognizing the spectacular hilltop view that the parkland offered, Parks Commissioner Henry J. Stern renamed it Skyline Park. Today's ceremony officially returns the park to its original name, Cottages Hill New Brighton Park.
-30-
PHOTOS AVAILABLE HERE
Gallery password: nycparks2025
Press Contact:
Keri Murawski
(212) 360-1311