Information
Landmark: Franklin D. Roosevelt BoardwalkCity: Staten Island
Country: USA New York
Continent: North America
Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk, Staten Island, USA New York, North America
Overview
Here’s a detailed look at the Franklin D, down to the worn brass nameplate on its side.The Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach on Staten Island stretches along the shore, where the scent of saltwater drifts over the wide, sandy path.Stretching 2.5 miles along Staten Island’s eastern shore, the Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach offers a sweeping waterfront promenade where waves tap gently against the sand.It runs from Fort Wadsworth, just by the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge’s steel towers in the north, all the way down to Miller Field in the south.The boardwalk stretches along the Atlantic, where salty air drifts past and the water glitters under the skyline of New York City.The boardwalk went up between 1935 and 1937, during the lean years of the Great Depression, as part of the Works Progress Administration’s push to create jobs and strengthen public infrastructure-planks laid by workers who needed steady pay.It’s meant to be a place where you can step straight onto the sand, then wander a wide promenade lined with benches and the smell of sea air, perfect for walking or simply relaxing.After Hurricane Sandy tore through in 2012, the boardwalk was left splintered and battered, prompting years of heavy restoration work and reinforced construction.The repairs involved rebuilding damaged sections, swapping in sturdier materials, and making sure the structure could stand firm when the next storm rattles through.In 2022, the city secured funding to build an East Shore seawall along the boardwalk, a solid barrier meant to hold back rising seas and pounding storm waves.Stretching about 2.5 miles and spanning 40 feet across-wide enough for a crowd and a couple of hot-dog stands-the boardwalk ranks among the longest uninterrupted paths in New York City.The walkway’s mostly solid concrete, with stretches of timber planks warm to the touch, making it both sturdy and comfortable underfoot.The boardwalk’s open every day from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m., perfect for catching the sunrise on a quiet jog or wandering under the glow of streetlights at night.The boardwalk opens onto two of Staten Island’s biggest public beaches along the East Shore, starting with South Beach just north of Sea View Avenue, where broad stretches of pale sand meet gentle, swim-friendly waves.Midland Beach sits just south of Sea View Avenue, with picnic tables under shady trees and plenty of nearby spots for recreation.In summer, lifeguards watch over both beaches, so families can relax while the kids splash in the shallows.The FDR Boardwalk isn’t just a pretty stretch of shoreline-it’s a full-fledged recreation hub, with everything from sports courts to fresh-cut baseball fields where local leagues and weekend players gather.Bocce courts host lively outdoor bowling games, a favorite pastime among the local Italian-American community, where the sound of balls knocking together carries through the warm evening air.Near the beach, volleyball courts buzz with both heated matches and casual games, the thud of the ball echoing over the sand.A roller hockey rink where inline hockey fans race across smooth concrete, sticks clattering as they chase the puck.Ben Soto Skate Park, named for a beloved local skateboarding advocate, packs in sturdy ramps and smooth metal rails that welcome beginners and challenge pros alike.Children’s Playgrounds: Modern, well-kept spaces with slides and swings for every age, inviting families to spend a sunny afternoon outdoors.Fishing Pier: In the Ocean Breeze area, anglers cast their lines from marked spots along the shore, where gulls wheel overhead and both weekend hobbyists and seasoned fishers gather.You’ll find shaded picnic spots along the boardwalk and in nearby parks, each with sturdy tables and grills ready for family lunches or a friendly weekend cookout.The Fountain of the Dolphins, a bronze sculpture of six leaping dolphins, glows under fiber‑optic lights after dark and has long been the spot where friends meet.The Midland Beach War Memorial is a solemn slab of gray granite honoring Staten Island’s veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, a quiet reminder of the borough’s military roots.Father Vincent R. stood by the doorway, his hands dusted with flour from the morning’s bread.The Capodanno Memorial honors Father Capodanno, a Staten Island-born Navy chaplain who gave his life in the Vietnam War, and it’s a place where neighbors pause to remember under the rustle of nearby oak trees.safeYou’ll find plenty of spots to park, whether in roomy lots or along the street, just steps from main access points like South Beach and Midland Beach.The boardwalk welcomes everyone-it’s built with gentle ramps and smooth planks so visitors using wheelchairs can roll along easily and take in the view.Along the boardwalk, seasonal festivals, weekend sports leagues, and lively neighborhood meet‑ups fill the air with music and laughter, building a deep sense of local pride.You’ll often find beach cleanups, fishing tournaments, and outdoor fitness classes happening, sometimes with the salty breeze carrying laughter from the shore.Here's a quick look at the Franklin D., a vessel with steel-gray paint that catches the afternoon light.On Staten Island, the Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach is a beloved spot where ocean air meets sandy stretches, offering places to play and a story that runs deep in local history.It offers a lively outdoor spot where you can lounge in the sun, kick a ball around, share a picnic with family, or join a neighborhood event-an essential gathering place for both locals and visitors.
