The Big Field

For residents of Staten Island, particularly those in the Mariners Harbor area, "The Big Field" is more than just a name; it’s a beloved local landmark for outdoor activity and community gathering. Officially known as The Big Park, this green space has been a cornerstone of local recreation for decades, and its recent renovations have only enhanced its appeal. Offering ample space for various activities, from casual play to organized sports, The Big Field is an essential amenity for New Yorkers seeking an expansive area to enjoy the fresh air and engage in active pursuits. As one local reviewer aptly noted, it's "awesome to play in," making it a go-to destination for active individuals and families.

The Big Field is conveniently located on Norway Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA. This places it within the Mariners Harbor neighborhood in northwestern Staten Island. Historically, the park was also known as Grandview Playground due to its adjacency to Grandview Avenue and Continental Place. Its location in a residential area makes it highly accessible for neighborhood residents who can easily walk or bike to the park. For those utilizing public transportation, local bus routes operate within the Mariners Harbor area, providing connections to other parts of Staten Island and potentially to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal for commuters from other boroughs. While specific parking details aren't widely advertised, street parking is typically available in surrounding residential areas. The park's generous size and straightforward access make it a convenient destination for various outdoor activities, emphasizing its role as a vital local resource.

The Big Field, having undergone significant renovation as part of the Community Parks Initiative, offers a range of enhanced services and amenities designed for diverse recreational uses:

• Large Multi-Use Field: The park's namesake feature, a spacious multi-use field, provides ample room for informal games of soccer, football, ultimate frisbee, or simply running around and enjoying open space.
• Sports Courts: Dedicated sports courts are available, typically including basketball courts, which are popular for pick-up games and active play.
• Children's Play Area: A modern play area equipped with swings, slides, and climbing structures caters to younger visitors, ensuring a safe and engaging environment for children to enjoy.
• Walking and Running Space: The expansive nature of the field and surrounding areas provides plenty of room for walking, jogging, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll.
• Seating Areas: Benches and other seating options are integrated throughout the park, offering comfortable spots for parents to supervise children, for individuals to rest, or for friends to gather.
• NYC Parks Maintenance: The park is maintained and operated by NYC Parks, ensuring a consistent standard of cleanliness, safety, and upkeep for the public.

The Big Field is notable for several key features and highlights that contribute to its prominence as a local park in Staten Island:

• Community Parks Initiative Renovation: The park benefited from the Community Parks Initiative (CPI) in 2017-18, a multi-faceted program by NYC Parks aimed at increasing the accessibility and quality of parks in underserved communities. This renovation significantly upgraded its facilities.
• Historically Significant Name Change: Originally known as Mariners Harbor Houses Playground and later Grandview Playground, the park was officially renamed "The Big Park" (or "The Big Field" as it's often known colloquially) in 2017, referencing the popular local moniker used by community members, showcasing a strong connection to local identity.
• Ample Open Space: Unlike many urban parks, The Big Field truly lives up to its name, offering a substantial open field that is increasingly rare and valuable in a dense city environment.
• Versatile Recreation: Its combination of open field, sports courts, and a play area makes it highly versatile, catering to a wide age range and variety of recreational pursuits.
• Neighborhood Anchor: Situated within the Mariners Harbor neighborhood, it serves as a central point for outdoor activity and community gathering, fostering a sense of place and belonging.
• Ecological Consideration (Potential for Ticks): While a drawback, the mention of "ticks" by a reviewer suggests the park has natural, perhaps less manicured, areas or borders with greenery, indicating a degree of biodiversity which, while requiring caution, contributes to its natural feel.

As a public park managed by NYC Parks, The Big Field (officially The Big Park) primarily offers free access to its facilities and amenities rather than commercial "promotions" or "special offers." Its value to the community comes from its open access and the public services it provides.

However, locals can take advantage of various city-wide programs and initiatives that are often held at or are relevant to parks like The Big Field. These can include:

• Free Recreational Programs: NYC Parks frequently offers free or low-cost sports clinics, fitness classes, and organized recreational activities throughout its park system. While specific programs at The Big Field might vary, it's a suitable location for many such initiatives.
• Summer Youth Programs: During the summer months, many NYC parks host youth programs that provide supervised activities and opportunities for children to engage in outdoor play. The Big Field's play area and multi-use field make it an ideal candidate for participation in such programs.
• "It's My Park" Volunteer Days: NYC Parks often organizes "It's My Park" volunteer events, inviting community members to help with park cleanups, planting, and general maintenance. These free events are an excellent way for locals to give back to their green spaces.
• Seasonal Events: While not specifically tied to commercial promotions, larger community events, festivals, or sports tournaments may occasionally utilize the expansive field, offering free entertainment or participation opportunities.

To find out about any specific programs or events happening at The Big Field, or to learn about broader NYC Parks initiatives relevant to this location, residents should consult the official NYC Parks website (nycgovparks.org). Searching the site for "The Big Park" or "Mariners Harbor" will provide the most up-to-date information on activities, events, and any potential offerings. Local community boards and neighborhood associations for Mariners Harbor may also announce relevant programs.

For general inquiries about The Big Field or other NYC Parks facilities, you can use the following contact information:

Address: The Big Field (also known as The Big Park), Norway Ave, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA (near the intersection of Grandview Avenue and Continental Place).

Phone: For general NYC Parks inquiries, you can often reach them through 311 (or 212-639-9675 from outside NYC). This number can connect you to the relevant department for park information, permits, or specific program inquiries.

For the most precise and up-to-date information about The Big Field, including any specific permits required for field use, it is always recommended to visit the official NYC Parks website (nycgovparks.org) and use their park locator or search function for "The Big Park" (R068). This will provide the most accurate details regarding its operating hours, amenities, and any scheduled events or maintenance.

The Big Field is an outstanding choice for locals in New York, particularly those on Staten Island, due to its expansive nature and versatile offerings. In a city where open space is a premium, this park truly lives up to its name, providing ample room for diverse recreational activities. Its recent renovation under the Community Parks Initiative ensures modern amenities and a well-maintained environment, making it safer and more enjoyable for families and active individuals. For children, the dedicated play area offers a fantastic outlet for energy, while the large multi-use field is perfect for sports enthusiasts of all ages. The park's strong connection to the Mariners Harbor community, even reflected in its locally-inspired name, reinforces its role as a neighborhood anchor. Despite the minor concern about ticks, which is common in areas with natural vegetation and can be managed with precautions, the overall benefit of having such a vast and well-equipped outdoor space is immense. The Big Field truly enhances the quality of life for Staten Island residents by offering a dynamic and accessible venue for play, exercise, and community connection.

The Big Field

Norway Ave, Staten Island, NY 10305, USA