John Da Silva Memorial

For us New Yorkers, particularly those of us on Staten Island, green spaces and recreational facilities are incredibly important. A "park" in our city often goes beyond simple open land; it can be a vital community asset, a place for organized sports, leisurely strolls, or a quiet moment of reflection. These spaces contribute significantly to our physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life, offering a respite from the urban hustle.

On Staten Island, the John Da Silva Memorial is a prime example of such a multifaceted recreational hub. While it may not be a traditional sprawling park with playgrounds and picnic areas in the typical sense, it is a highly specialized and significant athletic facility. Named in memory of John Da Silva, a St. John's University hockey star whose life was tragically cut short, this memorial is primarily known as a top-tier track and field venue and home to various sports teams.

Managed in conjunction with St. John's University, John Da Silva Memorial offers state-of-the-art facilities that cater to serious athletes and local sports enthusiasts alike. Its focus on providing excellent conditions for track and field, lacrosse, and other collegiate-level sports makes it a unique and valuable asset for Staten Island and the wider New York City area. Let's delve into what makes this memorial park a key destination for sports and recreation here in our borough.

Location and Accessibility

John Da Silva Memorial is located on Staten Island, NY 10312, USA. More specifically, it is situated within the campus of St. John's University on Staten Island, which is a key piece of information for understanding its primary function and accessibility. The university campus is located on Grymes Hill, a centrally located and well-known area on Staten Island.

For Staten Island residents, accessing the park is generally straightforward. Grymes Hill is accessible via local roads, and the university campus itself has established entry points. For those coming from other boroughs of New York City, Staten Island is connected by the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, making the park accessible by car. From New Jersey, the Goethals Bridge also provides convenient access to Staten Island, further enhancing the park's regional reach.

While specific parking information for the general public might vary based on university event schedules, St. John's University campuses typically offer ample parking. Visitors often praise the "great facilities and staff" which implicitly suggests ease of access and well-managed operations. Public transportation options on Staten Island include local MTA buses, which serve the Grymes Hill area, connecting to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal and other key transit hubs. This accessibility by both car and public transit makes John Da Silva Memorial a viable destination for sports enthusiasts and spectators across New York City.

Services Offered

John Da Silva Memorial, as an athletic facility, offers a range of services primarily geared towards supporting sports events, training, and athletic programs. While not a typical public park with playgrounds for casual use, its services are invaluable to the athletic community and spectators. These include:

• State-of-the-Art Track and Field Facility: The memorial features a modern Regupol track facility, which is a high-quality surface for track and field events. It was renovated in 2013-2014, making it a state-of-the-art venue.
• Multi-Sport Field: The central field area, resurfaced with FieldTurf in 2004, is primarily used for men's lacrosse and track and field events, offering a durable and consistent playing surface.
• Seating Capacity: The field has a seating capacity of 1,200 spectators, allowing for the comfortable viewing of collegiate and other athletic competitions.
• Support Facilities: Adjacent to the field, the D'Angelo Center, a multi-story student center, also serves as a press box for games and events, providing necessary support for media and event operations.
• Event Hosting: The facility regularly hosts numerous spring track and field events, including the Annual Monday Track & Field Meeting and the Tom Farrell Classic, attracting competitors from local colleges and track clubs.
• Facility Maintenance: The general positive reviews about "great facilities" suggest a high level of maintenance, ensuring a pristine and functional environment for athletes and visitors.

Features / Highlights

John Da Silva Memorial is distinguished by several key features and highlights, reflecting its role as a premier athletic venue on Staten Island:

• High-Quality Track Surface: The $1.5 million Regupol track facility is a significant highlight, offering a professional-grade surface for competitive track and field events. This modern track is designed to enhance athletic performance and provide a safe training ground.
• FieldTurf Playing Surface: The use of FieldTurf for the central field ensures an all-weather, durable, and consistent playing surface for lacrosse and other field sports, minimizing weather-related disruptions to events.
• Dedicated to a Local Hero: The memorial's name honors John Da Silva, a beloved St. John's University hockey star, adding a layer of community significance and remembrance to the facility.
• Collegiate Athletics Hub: As the home of St. John's University's men's lacrosse and women's track and field teams, it serves as a central hub for collegiate-level sports on Staten Island, offering exciting viewing opportunities for local sports fans.
• Modern Amenities: The adjacency of the D'Angelo Center provides modern amenities such as restrooms, potentially concessions (during events), and a comfortable press box, enhancing the experience for both athletes and spectators.
• Well-Maintained Environment: Customer reviews noting "Facility nice" and "Great facilities" underscore the commitment to maintaining a clean, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environment.
• Potential for Community Use (Check with University): While primarily a university athletic facility, such venues sometimes offer limited public access or host community events, making them valuable resources for local sports clubs or school programs.

Promotions or Special Offers

As an athletic facility primarily associated with St. John's University, John Da Silva Memorial doesn't typically offer commercial "promotions" in the way a retail business might. Its "offers" are more aligned with providing opportunities for sports participation, spectating, and community engagement. These can include:

• Free Admission to Events: Many collegiate track and field meets or lacrosse games might offer free admission to the public, providing accessible entertainment and opportunities to see high-level sports.
• Hosting Local Meets/Tournaments: The facility often hosts events involving local colleges and track clubs, which can be seen as a "promotion" for local athletic development and competition.
• Community Sports Programs (Check with University/Local Rec): While direct public programs might not be continuous, the university or local recreation departments sometimes utilize such facilities for youth clinics, summer camps, or community sports programs, which would be advertised through their respective channels.

To find out about upcoming events, game schedules, or any potential community access, it is best to check the official St. John's University Athletics website ("redstormsports.com") and local Staten Island sports calendars.

Contact Information

For inquiries about John Da Silva Memorial, its events, or facility usage, the primary contact would be through St. John's University's Athletic Department or general university contacts on their Staten Island campus.

• Address: Staten Island, NY 10312, USA (This general address refers to the St. John's University Staten Island campus where the memorial is located.)

As there is no specific phone number directly tied to "John Da Silva Memorial" as a standalone public park, inquiries should be directed to the main phone number for St. John's University's Staten Island campus or its Athletics Department. Searching for "St. John's University Staten Island Athletics contact" online would yield the most accurate and up-to-date phone numbers and email addresses for relevant departments.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For us New Yorkers on Staten Island, John Da Silva Memorial is a highly suitable and valuable asset, particularly for those passionate about sports and active living. While it functions primarily as a collegiate athletic venue, its presence elevates the recreational landscape of our borough. For local sports enthusiasts, it offers the opportunity to witness high-quality track and field events and lacrosse games right here on Staten Island, providing engaging entertainment without having to cross a bridge.

The "nice" and "great facilities" highlighted by reviewers signify a well-maintained and professional environment, which is a testament to the quality of resources available to athletes and visitors. For aspiring local athletes, having access to or being able to train on a "state-of-the-art Regupol track" provides an invaluable resource for their development, whether through school teams, local clubs, or university-affiliated programs.

Furthermore, the memorial's connection to St. John's University means it often hosts events that bring the community together, fostering a sense of local pride and engagement. Even if you're not an athlete, visiting the facility to support local teams or simply to enjoy the atmosphere of a well-run sports venue is a positive experience. Its location on Grymes Hill makes it accessible from various parts of the island, cementing its role as a key recreational hub that enriches the lives of Staten Islanders.

John Da Silva Memorial

Staten Island, NY 10312, USA