Shirley Chisholm State Park (Fountain Entrance)

For New Yorkers seeking a breath of fresh air, stunning views, and a connection with nature right within the city, Shirley Chisholm State Park stands as an extraordinary testament to urban transformation. Located in Brooklyn, this relatively new and expansive state park offers a unique blend of ecological beauty and recreational opportunities. While the park has multiple access points, the Fountain Entrance (950 Fountain Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11239, USA) provides a convenient gateway to its vast offerings. This park isn't just a place to stroll; it's a living monument to environmental resilience and a vibrant hub for outdoor activity, perfectly suited for families, individuals, and anyone looking to escape the urban intensity.

What makes Shirley Chisholm State Park truly remarkable is its fascinating history. Perched atop the former Pennsylvania and Fountain Avenue landfills, it represents an unprecedented feat of ecological restoration. Locals who remember the area can attest to the dramatic change: "Little did I know this a former NYC landfill. They covered it with new soil, and now the smell that people would feel when driving thru the belt pkway is gone, making it much better to look at," noted one impressed visitor. This transformation has turned what was once a civic challenge into a beautiful, thriving green space that offers panoramic views of Jamaica Bay and the fascinating spectacle of planes arriving and departing from JFK Airport. Named after the trailblazing Brooklyn-born Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, the park embodies her spirit of overcoming obstacles and forging new paths, providing an inspiring example of what can be achieved when vision meets dedication. It's a place where history, nature, and community converge, creating an essential resource for all of New York City.

Shirley Chisholm State Park's Fountain Entrance is strategically located at 950 Fountain Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11239, USA. This positioning in the East New York section of Brooklyn makes it remarkably accessible for residents across the borough and beyond, offering a significant green oasis within a bustling urban environment.

For those driving, the Fountain Avenue entrance provides convenient access directly from major roadways. Its proximity to the Belt Parkway and Conduit Avenue means that visitors can reach the park relatively easily from various parts of Brooklyn, Queens, and even Long Island. Ample parking is typically available at this entrance, making it a stress-free option for families or those carrying picnic supplies.

Public transportation options also serve the area well, connecting the park to surrounding neighborhoods. Several MTA bus routes operate along Fountain Avenue and nearby thoroughfares. For example, the B84 bus line can take you close to the park. While there isn't a direct subway station right at the park's edge, major subway lines like the A and C trains have stations (such as those at Grant Avenue or Euclid Avenue) that are a bus ride or short taxi/rideshare away, providing broader access from Manhattan and other parts of Brooklyn and Queens. The design of the park, with its wide, accessible paths, also makes it bicycle-friendly, allowing locals to cycle directly to the entrance and seamlessly transition onto the park's extensive trail system. This multi-modal accessibility ensures that Shirley Chisholm State Park (Fountain Entrance) is a truly convenient and welcoming destination for all New Yorkers.

Shirley Chisholm State Park, particularly through its Fountain Entrance, offers a comprehensive range of services and amenities designed to provide a diverse and enjoyable experience for all visitors. These are managed by the New York State Parks system:

• Extensive Trail Network: The park features 10 miles of multi-use trails, perfect for walking, jogging, hiking, and biking. These paved and unpaved paths offer varying terrains and provide stunning views throughout your journey.

• Designated Picnic and Relaxation Areas: Throughout the park, visitors will find numerous benches, open grassy areas, and designated spots ideal for picnics, quiet contemplation, reading, or simply enjoying the outdoors. Reviewers specifically mention it's "Great for walking, picnics, and relaxing."

• Waterfront Access (Penn Pier): While the Fountain Entrance is on the eastern side, the park offers waterfront access at Penn Pier on the western side. This area provides opportunities for fishing (catch and release only) and enjoying views of Jamaica Bay.

• Free Bike Library: A popular feature, the park provides a free bike library where visitors can borrow bicycles to explore the trails, making cycling accessible to everyone without needing to own or transport their own bike.

• Environmental Education Programs: The park regularly hosts a variety of free educational programs for all ages, focusing on the park's unique ecology, local wildlife, conservation efforts, and the history of the site's transformation from landfill to park. These programs are often led by park naturalists and rangers.

• Ranger-Led Programs: Park Rangers often lead guided tours, hikes, and educational sessions, providing deeper insights into the park's features, history, and ecological significance.

• Restrooms and Comfort Stations: Essential amenities, including clean restrooms, are available to ensure a comfortable visit for all park-goers.

• Trash and Recycle Cans: As noted by a reviewer, the park provides "clean space, with trash and recycle cans that help," emphasizing its commitment to cleanliness and environmental responsibility.

Shirley Chisholm State Park, accessed via its Fountain Entrance, is replete with features and highlights that make it a truly exceptional urban green space and a must-visit for locals:

• Stunning Panoramic Views: Rising to elevations of up to 130-137 feet above sea level, the park offers some of the highest vantage points in New York City. From these peaks, visitors are treated to breathtaking 360-degree views of the New York City skyline, including the Empire State Building, the iconic Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, the expansive Jamaica Bay, and the dramatic sight of planes "entering and leaving JFK." This visual spectacle alone is worth the visit.

• Remarkable Transformation Story: The park's most fascinating highlight is its history as a former NYC landfill. Its conversion into a thriving 407-acre green space, covered with new soil and extensive plantings of over 35,000 trees and shrubs, is an incredible achievement in environmental restoration. This ecological success has eliminated previous odors, making it "much better to look at" and enjoy.

• Rich Biodiversity and Wildlife: Despite its urban origins, the park provides a sanctuary for a diverse ecosystem of coastal meadows, wetlands, and woodlands. This habitat attracts a wide variety of birds (nearly 200 species recorded), butterflies, and other wildlife, making it a prime location for birdwatching and nature photography right in Brooklyn.

• Extensive Multi-Use Trails: With 10 miles of versatile trails, the park caters to all types of outdoor enthusiasts. Whether for a leisurely walk, an invigorating run, or a scenic bike ride, the paths offer ample space and diverse scenery, providing "a lot of green all around and a lake on one side."

• Tribute to a Trailblazer: Named in honor of Shirley Chisholm, the Brooklyn-born trailblazer who was the first African American woman elected to Congress and the first African American woman to seek a major party's nomination for President, the park serves as a living legacy. It embodies her spirit of resilience, vision, and breaking barriers.

• Family-Friendly Environment: Multiple reviews highlight it as a "place worth visit with your family on a sunny day." Its open spaces, picnic areas, and safe trails make it ideal for family outings and children's activities.

As a New York State Park, Shirley Chisholm State Park (Fountain Entrance) provides valuable public services rather than traditional commercial "promotions" or "special offers." However, the range of free and accessible opportunities it provides can be considered significant perks for locals:

• Free Park Admission: A major draw for all New Yorkers is that there is no general admission fee or vehicle use fee to enter Shirley Chisholm State Park. This makes it an incredibly cost-effective destination for outdoor recreation, accessible to everyone regardless of budget.

• Complimentary Bike Library: A standout offering, the park provides a free bike library. Visitors can borrow bicycles to explore the extensive 10 miles of trails, eliminating the need to own or transport a bike and making cycling accessible to a wider audience.

• Free Public Programs and Events: Throughout the year, the park hosts a diverse calendar of free public programs. These include ranger-led nature walks, birdwatching tours, environmental education workshops, and free fishing clinics. These programs provide valuable learning experiences and recreational opportunities at no cost.

• Seasonal Festivals and Community Gatherings: While event schedules vary, the park frequently serves as a venue for free seasonal festivals, cultural celebrations, and health-and-wellness events. These gatherings offer unique experiences and entertainment, fostering community spirit. Information about these is typically available on the official New York State Parks website or local community boards.

• Volunteer Opportunities: For locals looking to contribute to their community and local green spaces, the park often has volunteer programs for trail maintenance, planting, or assisting with park events. While not a "promotion," it offers a valuable opportunity for civic engagement.

To stay informed about specific free programs, events, and any operational details, locals are strongly encouraged to check the official New York State Parks website for Shirley Chisholm State Park. This is the most reliable source for current and accurate information.

For detailed information regarding Shirley Chisholm State Park (Fountain Entrance), including current hours, program schedules, and specific park guidelines, please use the following contact information.

Address: 950 Fountain Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11239, USA

Phone: (718) 277-2420

Mobile Phone: +1 718-277-2420 (This number is consistent across both phone listings, indicating it's the primary contact line for the park at this entrance.)

For general inquiries, program registration, or to confirm specific amenities like water fountain availability (as one reviewer noted they are "like 2 miles apart"), it is always advisable to call the park directly. You can also visit the official New York State Parks website for Shirley Chisholm State Park, which is regularly updated with the most comprehensive information on events, operating hours, and park rules. This ensures you have the most current details for planning your visit and making the most of this incredible urban oasis.

Shirley Chisholm State Park, particularly its accessible Fountain Entrance, is exceptionally well-suited for locals in New York, especially those in Brooklyn and nearby Queens neighborhoods. In a city as dynamic and densely populated as New York, access to vast, green spaces is not just a luxury but a crucial component of urban well-being. This park delivers on that need by offering a multitude of benefits right at residents' doorsteps.

Firstly, its remarkable transformation from a landfill into a vibrant ecological park is an inspiring testament to environmental rehabilitation. This history makes it not only a beautiful place to visit but also an educational resource, allowing locals to witness firsthand the power of nature's resilience and human ingenuity. As one reviewer aptly put it, the absence of the former landfill smell and its improved aesthetics make it "much better to look at," enhancing the quality of life for surrounding communities.

Secondly, the park's diverse offerings cater to a wide array of interests. Whether you're looking for an invigorating walk or bike ride on its "10 miles of biking and hiking trails," a serene spot for "picnics, and relaxing" with stunning "views of Jamaica Bay and...planes entering and leaving JFK," or simply a "clean space" to enjoy with family on a sunny day, Shirley Chisholm State Park provides it all. The free bike library further lowers barriers to outdoor activity, making cycling accessible to everyone.

Finally, the park’s tribute to Shirley Chisholm adds a layer of cultural significance, reminding visitors of her trailblazing spirit. It is a place where nature, history, and community converge, providing a vital antidote to urban life. For locals, it's more than just a park; it's a source of pride, a sanctuary for recreation, and a symbol of what dedication to green space can achieve, making it an indispensable part of the New York experience.

Shirley Chisholm State Park (Fountain Entrance)

950 Fountain Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11239, USA