STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Faber Park has received another upgrade, marking the latest addition to the popular Staten Island waterfront destination.
NYC Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa joined Councilmember Kamillah Hanks, a Democrat who represents the North Shore, Borough President Vito Fossella and NYC Parks Borough Commissioner Joseph Homsey in celebrating the newest amenities at Faber Park.
The celebration took place on Tuesday, Sept. 23 at the park, located on Richmond Terrace between Sharpe Avenue and Faber Street in Port Richmond.
The $1.9 million project, funded by Hanks, created two new basketball courts adjacent to the waterfront promenade at the Port Richmond neighborhood park. The courts include sports lighting, bleachers, benches and new plantings. The unique green space already features a pool, recreation center, skate park and playground.
Hanks praised the collaboration between community members, city agencies, and local leadership. “This is a moment that reflects what happens when community voices, city agencies, local leadership, and a shared goal all come together, investing in the spaces that bring people together, and parks like Faber are the heart of these neighborhoods,” Hanks said.
Borough President Vito Fossella highlighted Faber Park as one of Staten Island’s hidden gems, stating, “Almost a third of the Island is parkland and open space, we are committed to ensuring that these parks are available for all to enjoy.”
This was Homsey’s first ribbon-cutting event as borough parks commissioner, though he has been involved with the project for years as chief of staff for Staten Island Parks. He has also worked with the department for 12 years, helping bring improvements to the community.
Homsey emphasized that the new basketball courts at Faber Park are a part of a larger vision to revitalize Staten Island’s waterfront. He highlighted the significance of this project within the two-year Staten Island Waterfront Development Plan, which aims to enhance public spaces and improve community access to the waterfront.
Homsey also noted a second capital project is planned for Faber Park, focusing on improving waterfront access and enhancing opportunities for fishing. The project is currently in the design phase and aims to create a safer, more attractive space for visitors.
Children from local after-school programs at Walker Park and Jennifer’s Playground were among the guests at the celebration. Dana Vitolo, co-director of youth programs on Staten Island for the NYC Parks Department, noted that their after-school programs serve children ages 6 to 15, Monday through Friday.
Vitolo said she aims to bring children to community events, like the Faber Park ribbon-cutting, and highlighted the department’s Junior Park Inspectors program, which encourages kids to explore parks and consider parks-related careers. “Any time we can, we try to bring them out and show them what parks have to offer — especially job-wise too,” she said.
That focus on future opportunities and community engagement aligns with broader efforts to revitalize the North Shore.
Hanks has been instrumental in advancing the North Shore Action Plan, a $400 million dollar initiative aimed at revitalizing Staten Island’s waterfront. The comprehensive project encompasses the development of 2,400 new housing units for all income levels, the creation of 7,500 jobs, and the establishment of 20 acres of open public space.
The plan also includes the construction of a new public school, renovations to Pier 1, and flood resiliency measures.