Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Great Kills Park is a natural coastal preserve located on the south shore of Staten Island, New York City. As a part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, the park features approximately 580 acres of salt marshes, beaches, and woodlands bordering the Lower New York Bay. The park’s geography includes tidal wetlands, diverse estuarine habitats, and sandy shoreline areas which support numerous bird species, small mammals, and marine life. Historically, the area was a major site for oystering, with the now-protected waters helping sustain native bivalves. Today, Great Kills Park serves as an important refuge for migratory birds and eastern coastal wildlife. Recreation opportunities are diverse and family-friendly, including fishing from well-maintained piers, picnicking, birdwatching, and hiking along scenic trails such as the Red Trail that follows the shoreline and marsh edges. The park also features playgrounds, a marina, and beautiful sandy beaches for relaxation and beachcombing. For visitors interested in local history, remnants of the park’s industrial past can still be found around the marina area. With its mix of natural habitats and accessible urban proximity, Great Kills Park attracts anglers, naturalists, and families seeking green space without leaving the city. The park is managed by the National Park Service and remains a vital green oasis contributing to the ecological health of the New York Harbor estuary.
