Upgrades Coming to Snug Harbor, Staten Island Zoo and Bloomingdale Park
Everyone in Staten Island knows it is the greenest borough, and most residents would like to keep it that way.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella recently announced huge investments in three major parks and cultural institutions across Staten Island, to the tune of $30 million. The funding will bring long-awaited upgrades to Bloomingdale Park playground, the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, and the Staten Island Zoo.
Mayor Adams emphasized the city’s commitment to caring for every neighborhood, saying, “Public space in our city is precious, and we cherish every inch of it — no matter where it is, no matter what borough it is in.”
A $5.6 million investment will breathe new life into the Bloomingdale Park playground, bringing in modern play equipment, a refreshed spray area, better lighting and fencing, upgraded electrical and water utilities, and new landscaping. It’s the latest chapter in a series of improvements that have transformed the park in recent years, from new adult fitness equipment to synthetic turf fields completed in 2021. Design work is expected to begin in spring 2026, following a community meeting where residents can help shape the final vision.
Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden will see $6.5 million in campus-wide upgrades, including improvements to energy efficiency, security, and building management systems. Several of Snug Harbor’s cultural organizations will also benefit from new funding. The Staten Island Museum will receive $6 million to turn Building B into a modern STEAM education hub with exhibition areas, a hands-on lab classroom, and a café, along with exterior restoration of the historic structure. The Noble Maritime Collection will receive $3.8 million to replace its aging climate-control system, a crucial update for protecting its collections and keeping visitors comfortable.
The Staten Island Zoo will also get a major boost: $8 million for a new interactive education center designed around sensory experiences in both people and animals. The project will create a public purpose for special opportunities to have guests with sensory or developmental disabilities enjoy defined experiences for them, as well as the children’s center with a modern, diverse and inclusive “Learn & Play Zone.”
Local leaders say the investments will have a lasting impact. “As my fellow Staten Islanders and I know, our cultural institutions contribute so much to making this borough an extraordinary place to visit, live, and raise a family,” said New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo. “We’re proud of the city’s investments in the borough’s cultural infrastructure, which will enhance the incredible museums, cultural centers, and zoos that serve residents and attract visitors for years to come.”
Psst… Check out Winter Bucket List 2025-2026 for Staten Island
