In 1860, the businessman and pioneering naturalist John J. Crooke bought a part of the land and lived in a wooden house at the beach. In 1916, severe erosion cut the narrow spit of land and Crooke's Point became an island to itself. As early as 1925, the New York City government was considering buying 50 acres (20 ha) of Crooke's land to build a playground. Mayor John Francis Hylan considered purchasing up to 443 acres (179 ha) of land for a larger park, with provisions for future additions to bring the park's size to 1,000 acres (400 ha). A resort would be built on the site, which was expected to cost $10 million. In 1929, the city bought Crooke's Point and adjacent land and started to build a public park. Due to the Great Depression and World War II, the work was delayed and the park could not be opened to the public until 1949. It became part of the Gateway National Recreation Area in 1973, along with Miller Field and Fort Wadsworth on Staten Island, Jamaica Bay in Brooklyn and Queens, and Sandy Hook in New Jersey.

Always a beautiful place for all ages. This park has a very long trail that most people use for walking, jogging, biking, skating, etc. It may be a lengthy walk for children just to get to the center of the trail, where the playground is. The playground is very nice, almost overlooking the ocean. There are both types of swings for younger & older ages. Normally has porta- potties & a water fountain in this area. Also picnic tables here. There's a separate second parking lot overlooking the ocean & docks where you can sit & watch the boats go by. Very nice area with benches or rocks to sit on & a boardwalk. (I suggest watching the sunset here- very pretty.) The third parking lot all the way at the back of the trail, is where most go to walk on the beach sand/picnic. Normally very clean sand (although it's still Staten Island ocean water, lol.)10/10 would recommend for everyone. PS: In case of an emergency, there's usually security, or officers patrolling too.

Go down Ocean Ave from Father Cappodano Blvd and park in lot. Bike path will be directly in front of you. Head south, (to your right) and bike path will lead you from South Beach to Midland Beach to New Dorp Beach to Cedar Grove Beach and finally to Oakwood Beach. You will go about 5 miles and be on Cedar Grove Ave for about 100 yards, the trip's only public road. The entire route is perfectly flat, no elevations at all. I have seen deer, goose, ducks, and even a bald eagle on this route. If you care to stretch out the route to about a 15 mile round trip, go north (left) first and ride up and through Fort Wadsworth and underneath the Verrazzano Bridge, great photo op. (One steep rise on your way though)

In 1860, the businessman and pioneering naturalist John J. Crooke bought a part of the land and lived in a wooden house at the beach. In 1916, severe erosion cut the narrow spit of land and Crooke's Point became an island to itself. As early as 1925, the New York City government was considering buying 50 acres (20 ha) of Crooke's land to build a playground.Mayor John Francis Hylan considered purchasing up to 443 acres (179 ha) of land for a larger park, with provisions for future additions to bring the park's size to 1,000 acres (400 ha). A resort would be built on the site, which was expected to cost $10 million.[

I am on a fence about this park. Literally. Those fences, "danger" signs and environmental reports are a bit scary. Radiation clean up is no joke. But - it is rather safe in public areas, as my dear friend assured me, and I somewhat trust those findings. Great Kills Park is beautiful. There is a running trail from Hylan to the beach, with clear markers on miles. There are several sandy beaches. Nicely built marina with paved paths and picturesque docks. And seagulls that are the size of the large dog. Not kidding. Great Kills Park is also the best place to sunset-watch on the Island.

Pretty big place. Real nice paths for walking or bicycle riding. Plenty of parking and waterfront. Real nice playground for the little ones. Community garden. Picnic area with some nice charcoal grills. Permit required. Great area to do bird watching. Saw a small bird of prey while bike riding. pathway runs in to Midland Beach. Fort Wadsworth, Midland Beach and Great kills Park are all connected. Everything is Handicap accessible. Feels like the beach goes for ever here. Seen pictures of Deer here. There are Raccoons, Opossums, foxes, squirrels, chipmunks...here.

Good variety of wildlife to observe and nice walking paths about 2 miles round trip to parking lot at Hylan Blvd. Small play area for kids, a marina and beach area. The only drawback is the park was devastated by superstorm Sandy 11 years ago and the federal park system totally abandoned any reconstruction of the shore erosion that took about 100 yards of the bluff at the parking lot and the bulkhead near the marina.
Restrooms
Typical federal park restrooms. Can be nasty sometimes
Dog-friendliness
Pets are allowed on a leash

Great park really love the view here just wish they cleaned up the rest of the park so it could be open fully. I do miss the baseball and soccer field. Also a good part for fishing is closed due to park restoration and clean up. Ths project has been going on for a long time now, actually years and I hope one it will reopen so I and my future kids will be able to enjoy. I hope the time frame is less than 5 more years. But the park is so beautiful and the fishing is great. Running there is fun and biking is just as good!

We went for a walk on the sun set time. The temperature was around late 50s and the people were all gathering after a long lock down to enjoy the warm weather. The beach is astonishing as always and clean and the environment is very safe for individuals or families with children. People were playing on bicycle or soccer and everyone was happy. This place is a lovely place that i always enjoy going there. Go there, have fun and enjoy your time while watching sunrises or sunsets and God bless Staten Island

Beautiful in some parts, disaster area in others. Salt marches along the shore with variety of birds - the best place to watch sunrise. Serene marina - good for watching sunsets. Adequate beach at the south end with lifeguards in season. Multiuse walking/running trail. Yet parts of the park, including the model airplane field and ballfields, are still closed because radioactive materials were found there more than 10 years ago. Still nothing done to cleanup the area. Enter at your own risk.

A very nice place to bbq or fishing or just to get a tan. They have public parking. Beach. Food truck available
Playground
Didn't really get to see tha playground so I don't even know if they have one. But the beach is big so I'm sure they could have a playground
Restrooms
They have very clean public bathrooms with wheelchair ramp.
Dog-friendliness
Dog friendly. Lots of people walking their dogs
Picnic area
They have picnic areas all over. By water. By beach

This is much more than just a local park as it is a part of National Park Service Gateway park areas. As such it is well developed with a nice children play ground, multiple parking areas, several boardwalk, beaches with full facilities, marina and a collection of pretty trails to wander and enjoy nature reminiscent of time before European colonists came to this part of American continent. Deducting a star for some of flooded areas and closed off sections of the boardwalk.

It a huge park with a variety of sights and things to do. They have a playground, Marina, ocean views, Bay views, hiking trails, running paths, biking and of course a beach. The beach is what I'm usually disappointed about. I really wish they kept the beach area around it cleaner rather than a tiny section. Even then, the section is not very clean and doesn't typically smell fantastic. It's fine for waking with shoes on but Fr. Capodano beach is so much cleaner.

The trails were well-maintained and offered plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring. We especially enjoyed walking along the salt marsh, which was teeming with wildlife and offered a unique glimpse into the local ecosystem. The park also featured four different beaches, each with its own distinct character and charm. Whether we wanted to relax on the sand or take a dip in the water, there was a beach that suited our needs perfectly.

The park/beach is amazing. My daughter loves everything here, regardless of what it is. She never wants to leave, so that tells you all you need to know. It’s clean, fun, and free! You can come whenever you want, and there’s ALWAYS other kids, so for moms & dads (parents/guardians), your child will never be bored or lonely here! I’m glad my father found this spot to take my daughter to whenever she wants to burn some energy!

Nice and refreshing. Very clean and well kept grounds. Wish they open the rc plane runway again. That was so much fun. Saw a guy crash a $2000 f16 plane about 100 feet from the runway into the brush. Must of been 20 yrs ago. I remember sitting there with my dad and watching it happen. Boat launch is very nice, used to take our 17' out for an afternoon. The good old days, wish I was 20 yrs old again!

This place is nice to walk, bike ride, walk your dog, rollerblade, rollerskating and jogging. They have a nice park with lots of equipment to climb. The two negative things about this place is the beach and sand is disgustingly dirty and polluted. Also every time I walk my dog there I always find ticks on my dog. They put speed bumps now, which is a good idea for ppl who think it's ok to speed

Excellent place to go for a run. You're able to park at the very beginning of parking and go for a long stroll along the side of the beach. Theres a section for walking and jogging. If you park towards the very end of the parking you're able to go fishing. And if you park in the very middle, you're able to go for a swimming while lifeguards are on duty. Very clean beach.

It took me quite a while to find the entrance, since the park is all fenced up, almost gave up but luckily I found a small path on the southern end which led me to a marvellous ocean harbour and beach, surrounded by impenetrable forest. Great park for sports or long walks. From the Staten Island Railway station expect a good 20-30 min. walk to both entrances.

This place is abandoned, no staff working on taking care of the beach, there is a lot dust everywhere, the day I was there someone punctured the tire of my truck and two other people. Is a great place for fishing, but you can’t get permit because they only sell them for two months a year
Restrooms
Horrible stinks, no way to use them .

I used to live in Fair lawn loop I moved to Texas ,every i think about it . I miss my fishing n running.by the beach , excellent place l hope the Staten island create a program, Charge non resident fishing And dogs with out ID . I think that in order to deter outsider park Regers should charge. I love great kills park !

Park is big but most of the territory has a restricted access. If you are walking there with your car parked on the parking ot consider to manage your time. One time you realize that you are in 30min walking distance from you car and have an urgent business somewhere else. The park is long and there is no shortcuts.

We like to ride bicycle over there, its the only one place that is designed for that specific type of workout, a lot of people doing circles every day Once circle around 3.5 miles. There is also a place to load boats and boat storage. In the summer you can come to the beach. Or you can come just for walk

I've been going to this park since I was a young boy, I marveled at how diversified it was , between the raritan bay side of the beach to the neverending horse shoe crabs. The blue claw season was filled with incredible memories I won't soon forget. The fishing was and still is fun for the whole family.

This nice little hidden place in Staten Islandn NY is a go-to picnic place if you want to spend some private, quiet time with your family. Bring a fishing pole! There is a rock formation protruding where you can sit and fish safely! The sand is not that great. So many dead crabs and fish heads.

Great kills park is a beautiful Park where people can go to participate in boating, fishing, walking running, bike riding and plenty of other activities. With a lot of the land there made up of unobstructed expanses it makes an ideal place to go for amateur astronomy and astrophotography.

Place to relax. If you like running, bicycle riding, walking or just sitting there at the beach, that's the right place. No extra attractions or food, bring everything with you and take everything with you. They have bathroom there of the stone age, some people wouldn't use it.

Great big park fun for all. There is a playground, fishing area, and plenty of beach access
Playground
Only one but it's a decent size
Restrooms
It is like an out house type of bathroom not light or running water. Just a hole in the ground with a toilet above it.

Beautiful ocean but the park was non existent. No restrooms, no bus services to the town, not even trees along the street to the beach. We walked under the straight sunlight for half an hour. The shore was pretty wild and dirty as well. Shame, for how beautiful the ocean is.

We walked the TRAIL for an hour with two dogs and both my dogs were INFESTED with ticks!! All together we pulled out 20 ticks. They need better pest control there when the ticks are just on regular rocks and land/ grass. BEWARE DO NOT TAKE YOUR DOGS

Great walk on the peninsula of the park. Too much garbage strewn around although it is mid-winter. Other reviewers mentioned radioactive finds at the site of park that is cordoned away. That said, it is certainly very picturesque shore walk.

You must go at sunset. Watch the sun go down over the marina and see the sky ablaze. The clouds turn red and dusk falls. The deer roam before settling in for the night. Walk by the boat launch and past to see the crabbers netting baby crabs.

I like this park. Good large parking, everywhere clean, a lot of animals. You can run, walk and breathe fresh air. Please read attentive signs. Not all parking lots are available without permission. Use free parking or you can get a ticket.

Nice place to run and bike, people you pass say hi, there's a small beach which is pretty cool, not sure how packed it gets on the weekends but if that's your thing it's worth a shot. Nice to sit by the boat launch Marina as well.

Great park, I live nearby and go here to jog. The scenery is great, right by the water so there’s usually a good breeze. I really like how they have markers for runners, makes it super simple to keep track of how far I’ve gone.

Great place for daily routine running. You also can visit the beach. Sometimes it might be a little dirty but on average I think it's the best park on Staten Island. Also there is a public restroom and parking available.

Great park to go for a long time ride or walk. There is also a boat launch are here, fisherman beach area with real parking lot and a kids playground area. The location is also ideal for beautiful views of the ocean.

Windy beautiful place, but with ecological problems. Area with nuclear waste. And few days ago a whale was buried on the beach. Good place for fishing, riding, jogging and chilling. Good playground for kids.

Nice park to suntan walk or bike ride
Playground
Great for kids
Restrooms
Nice and clean
Dog-friendliness
Lost of people walking dogs
Picnic area
Nice areas to eat

As you know it's not send it's like an orange like dirt nobody's there but there's lots of sea glass! You could come home with a 10 gallon bag in 20 minutes is so much stuff on the beach

Nice walking path from Hylan Boulevard to the beach. Could use another walking path because it's getting pretty crowded. A good portion of the park is still closed because of radiation.

I've gone fishing, walking, and boating around this area and it's pretty nice. The only real negative I can point out about it is how much of it is closed off from entrance.

We have visited the park a number of times over the years. We take grandchildren there and they enjoy it. You can walk,.fly a kite, fish or sit and enjoy the atmosphere.

Nice place to run and ride bike. But definitely a local park that needs some upgrades. it's quiet and clean for the most part. There are playgrounds for kids and babies.

Went to the beach in Great Kills Park. Nowhere else can you find a nice clean and quiet beach with multiple lifeguards. Heaven on earth when you are looking to relax.

Excellent bike riding. Very quiet NOT recommended for individual walking. Lonely, quiet you are in nature. Reassuring was the park ranger vehicle parked along trail.

Took my dog for walk along the water. A little crowded due to a bike race and car show in one of the parking lots. Still very nice and peaceful, relaxing walk.

A favorite since childhood. And it's even better and cleaner since childhood. Wide clean beaches, open fields for playing and miles of boardwalk along the sea.

Great park to bring family to. We went biking along the long road one day, and enjoyed the beach on another day. The wildlife is also nice to observe.

Enjoy coming here all the time, saw deer today and watching all the boats while I am knitting away, love coming here awesome place to be with family.

Great place to go by yourself or family. Wish the city would put funds towards this City park . No lifeguards. No kayaking. All we used to have.

Stop smoking marijuana,not all people around you smoking and need to smell this nasty smell specifically if you are in open air need clean air.

Great park. But the federal government needs to do something with beech erosion. Soon, we will lose a lot of territory of this park.

It's very nice still but they have to fix the rest of the park at one time it was beautiful now its only a small part of what it was

This is a beautiful Park to hike jog walk right a bike go fishing. Just one thing me personally I would not swim in the water, LOL.

A nice small section of the beach. Adjacent to the marina and fishing areas. Not usually crowded and an abundance of parking space

Ideal park for dog walking / biking. Wild berries are grown at the far end of park. Great place to leave your boat underwater too

Love this park! So pretop. Very scenic in the bay watching all the boats. Great place to walk/run/bike. Very nice playground too.

Nice, clean beach with lifeguards on duty in season. Bathrooms are well maintained and most importantly it's never too crowded.

The beach, the pier, beautiful people, great for walking, running, biking, fishing... Only missing the ability to swim there.

This is a nice beach cum park and I felt it's an hidden gem.
Restrooms
There are restrooms with a lot of flies tho.

Amazing beach, not crowded at all and the beach is massive and clean and you have nice views of Brooklyn in the distance

Part of Gateway National Park. Deer from NJ, living here. Good sunsets. People fishing for seasonal fish. Boat moorings.

One part of the beach dirty, the other part of the beach clean but has play sand. But I enjoyed myself with my family.

We go every day and this place never fails to surprise with extraordinary scenario. Best sunset location in Newyork.

Overall well mantained and clean if I could say one improvement would be some path lighting at night would be great.

The view is not bad and beautiful to see it but the flies and bugs are really annoying to sit and relax on a beach

Police officers here were on point, not only being fully responsible and also providing lawfully acknowledge!

Wonderful place for lovers of boats and seaside. There is a playground there and lots of space for bicycles.

Nice place to spend with your loved ones, hiking, biking, play ball games and many more. Nice ocean view.

Beach is fairly clean...accept for the dead horse shoe crabs...and for the first time saw a deer here.

Nice for a stroll, the playgound, and the sunset. The beach is nice too but we don't swim there.

Great beach only issue sharp rocks in water
Restrooms
Convenient
Picnic area
Clean

Beautiful place to sit and take in nature all 4 seasons and a clean sandy beach for the summer

Beautiful and Good place for fishing, riding, jogging and chilling. Good playground for kids.

Beautiful well maintained National Park on the mouth of the Atlantic Ocean. A NYC treasure.

I’m glad we are the “forgotten borough” lol, makes the parks and beaches more peaceful <3

It wasn't the best beach where I've ever been but it's pretty beautiful and peaceful.

Great for fireworks watching, other than that they have a beach and park for kids

Clean and tranquil, people are friendly. not much more to say other than enjoy

Great place to park your car and watch the sunset right in front of the water

Great spot! Playground for kids, tracks for walking and gravel for running.

Lovely park and beach on Staten Island. Truly unique place for the region

Nice long mostly empty beach. People dock boats here and fish in the bay.

Easy parking coupled with trails and pathway to bike, jog, run, or walk

A warm November day. Clear skies and clean beaches. Such nice people

A nice windy day in March. very peaceful and quiet walk on the beach

Very good small playground located by the beach with a nice breeze

Great place to walk, run, go fishing and watch beautiful sunsets

If a walk on the beach is your thing, this place is wonderful

Very convenient setup for the boaters and nature walks.

Beach itself was dirty. The park was peaceful and quiet

My dog loves it here....I come here for walks/jogging.

Very big outdoors. I'm still exploring this park

Great place to relax and see sunrise or sunset.

Clean in good shape, needs a bike/running lane

Great trails for walking, beautiful scenery

Quiet, tranquil, beautiful. Love this place

In the winter, the view is still pretty.

Beautiful park. Right on STATEN ISLAND!