Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk | Staten Island

Here is a detailed overview of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach on Staten Island:

Location & General Description

The Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach is a prominent 2.5-mile (4 km) waterfront promenade located along the eastern shore of Staten Island, New York City. It stretches roughly from Fort Wadsworth, near the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in the north, down to Miller Field in the south. The boardwalk runs parallel to the Atlantic Ocean shoreline, providing stunning views of the water and the New York City skyline.

Historical Background

Construction Period: The boardwalk was constructed during the Great Depression as a part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects, built between 1935 and 1937 to provide employment and improve public infrastructure.

Design: It was designed to offer a recreational space that combined beach access with a broad promenade for walking and leisure.

Post-Hurricane Sandy Repairs: In 2012, Hurricane Sandy caused significant damage to the boardwalk, leading to major restoration and reinforcement efforts in the following years. These repairs included rebuilding damaged sections, upgrading materials, and improving resilience against future storms.

Recent Protection Efforts: To combat coastal erosion and protect the boardwalk from rising sea levels and storm surges, funding was secured in 2022 for constructing an East Shore Seawall along the boardwalk.

Physical Characteristics

Length & Width: The boardwalk is approximately 2.5 miles long and 40 feet wide, making it one of the longest continuous boardwalks in New York City.

Materials: The surface is primarily concrete with sections featuring timber planks, providing a durable and pleasant walking surface.

Operating Hours: The boardwalk is open daily from 6:00 AM until 1:00 AM, allowing for early morning jogs or late-night strolls.

Beaches

The boardwalk serves as the gateway to two major public beaches on Staten Island’s East Shore:

South Beach: Located north of Sea View Avenue, South Beach features a wide sandy shoreline and calm waters suitable for swimming and sunbathing.

Midland Beach: Situated south of Sea View Avenue, Midland Beach offers similar amenities with easy access to picnic areas and recreational facilities.

Both beaches have lifeguards during summer months, making them family-friendly destinations.

Recreational Amenities & Facilities

The FDR Boardwalk is more than just a scenic walkway-it’s a full recreational complex with diverse facilities:

Sports Facilities:

Multiple baseball fields for local leagues and casual play.

Bocce courts for traditional outdoor bowling games, popular with the local Italian-American community.

Volleyball courts located near the beaches for both competitive and recreational play.

A roller hockey rink providing a space for inline hockey enthusiasts.

The Ben Soto Skate Park, a well-equipped skateboarding facility named after a local skateboarding advocate, offering ramps and rails for skaters of all levels.

Children’s Playgrounds: Safe, modern playgrounds with equipment catering to a range of ages, encouraging outdoor play for families visiting the area.

Fishing Pier: At the Ocean Breeze section, anglers can fish in designated areas along the shore, making it a popular spot for both casual and serious fishing enthusiasts.

Picnic Areas: Throughout the boardwalk and adjacent parks, there are shaded picnic areas with tables and grills for family gatherings and social events.

Monuments and Points of Interest

Fountain of the Dolphins: A landmark bronze fountain sculpture featuring six dolphins, beautifully lit with fiber-optic lighting at night, serving as an iconic meeting point.

Midland Beach War Memorial: A solemn granite monument honoring Staten Island veterans from World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, reflecting the borough’s military heritage.

Father Vincent R. Capodanno Memorial: Dedicated to Father Capodanno, a Staten Island native and Navy chaplain who died heroically during the Vietnam War, this memorial holds special significance for the local community.

Accessibility & Transportation

Public Transit: Easily accessible by the Staten Island Railway and various bus lines, making it convenient for both residents and visitors to reach the boardwalk without a car.

Parking: Ample parking lots and street parking are available near main access points like South Beach and Midland Beach.

Accessibility: The boardwalk is wheelchair-accessible, with ramps and smooth surfaces allowing visitors with mobility challenges to enjoy the space.

Community & Events

The boardwalk hosts seasonal events, sports leagues, and community gatherings, fostering a strong sense of local pride. Activities such as beach cleanups, fishing tournaments, and outdoor fitness classes take place regularly.

Summary

The Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach is a cherished Staten Island landmark that combines natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical significance. It provides a vibrant outdoor space for relaxation, sports, family fun, and community engagement, making it a vital asset for the borough’s residents and visitors alike.