Ritz Motel
Open lawn and tree-lined lake at Willowbrook Park
Elizabeth Sights and Day Trips

Willowbrook Park: Trails, Pond and Access on Staten Island

Published 3 min read

By Gabrielle Moore

Willowbrook Park is a 214.95-acre New York City park on Staten Island, with a lake, hiking trails, recreation facilities and mature forest. Its location beside Richmond Avenue and Victory Boulevard makes it a distinct green space to plan into a Staten Island visit from Elizabeth.

  • Location: Staten Island, ZIP code 10314
  • Park setting: Bordered by Richmond Avenue, Victory Boulevard, Ashworth Avenue and Forest Hill Road
  • Natural features: A five-acre lake and forest accessible via the White Trail
  • Access point: 1 Eton Place, Staten Island

Where Is Willowbrook Park?

Where Is Willowbrook Park?

Willowbrook Park occupies a large area of central Staten Island, bounded by Richmond Avenue, Victory Boulevard, Ashworth Avenue and Forest Hill Road. NYC Parks gives the park’s ZIP code as 10314, while a Greenbelt brochure identifies an entrance at 1 Eton Place.

The park is part of Staten Island’s Greenbelt, a setting that connects open space with wooded areas. Its size and position make it useful to think of as a destination within Staten Island, rather than a single small playground or lawn.

Its history also reflects plans for the island’s development. The city acquired the original 105 acres in 1909, and the parcel was assigned to Parks in 1929. Two additional parcels followed in 1939 and 1940; they had been condemned for a Willowbrook Parkway extension that was never built.

Paths, Pond and Park Features

Paths, Pond and Park Features

Willowbrook Park combines a lake and forest paths with sports, play and picnic facilities. The five-acre lake provides habitat for birds, and the Greenbelt brochure describes mature forest reached via the White Trail.

Among the trees in that forest are tulip poplar, red oak, American beech and red maple. The park has hiking trails, including the White Trail, which leads into mature forest.

For recreation, the park has baseball fields and ballfields, tennis courts, an archery range, playgrounds, fishing and barbecuing areas. Dog-friendly areas and natural areas are also available. The Historic Stone Chimney is another park highlight.

The Carousel for All Children is a handicap-accessible merry-go-round featuring 51 hand-carved wooden animals and panels depicting Staten Island scenes. It adds a distinct attraction to the park’s mix of outdoor recreation and natural scenery.

For a different Staten Island landscape shaped by quarrying, Graniteville Quarry Park’s quarry landscape offers another local point of interest.

Facilities and Accessibility

Facilities and Accessibility

Willowbrook Park has public restrooms, dog-friendly areas, fishing spots and barbecuing areas, alongside its sports and play facilities. NYC Parks describes the carousel as handicap-accessible.

That description does not establish accessibility details for the park’s paths or restrooms. General park hours, ticket prices and detailed access rules are not stated. Check the official site before you go; NYC Parks operates the park.

How Do You Get to Willowbrook Park from Elizabeth?

How Do You Get to Willowbrook Park from Elizabeth?

From Elizabeth, I-278 and the Goethals Bridge provide a major roadway connection toward Staten Island. The bridge crosses the Arthur Kill between Elizabeth and Howland Hook on Staten Island. Ritz Motel is a one-star motel in Elizabeth, so confirm the route and travel time before setting out.

Use the park’s Staten Island address and surrounding boundary roads to plan your approach.

Elizabeth Station is at West Grand Avenue, one block west of Broad Street. For context on local stations and routes, Elizabeth’s stations and local routes are part of the trip-planning picture.

FAQs

Is Willowbrook Park free to enter?

Ticket prices and general access rules are not stated. Check NYC Parks for current details before your visit.

Are there hiking trails at Willowbrook Park?

Yes. The park has hiking trails, and the White Trail provides access to mature forest.

What is the lake at Willowbrook Park known for?

The park’s five-acre lake provides habitat for birds, alongside the park’s wooded areas and recreation facilities.

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