New York’s Staten Island — Wolfe’s Pond Park, which is situated along the Huguenot coastline, is a true jewel in all seasons. Growing up on the north shore, my family would frequently pack a picnic and spend the day at Wolfe’s Pond. I recall swings, maybe a seesaw, and square metal monkey bars. Every grilling station had water pumps, which always captivated me.
There are still paths, waterfront beach areas, and a sizable frisbee field, despite the park’s environment changing over time due to the addition of lifeguard beach stations, parking lots, a new playground, a dog run, and maybe a field hockey rink. The lane that used to permit cars to pass near the waterfront has been taken out.
Located on Raritan Bay, Wolfe’s Pond Park has a rich history influenced by both human and environmental factors. The beach was created during the Ice Age, around 20,000 years ago, when the Wisconsin ice sheet left behind clay, sand, and gravel along the beaches of Staten Island. According to the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation website, Acme Pond formed from a melting chunk of ice left by the retreating glacier, whereas Wolfe’s Pond, which was originally a tidal inlet, became a pond owing to silt buildup.
The Algonquian Lenape people’s ancestors lived close by and used the resources for farming, hunting, and fishing around 6,000 years ago. According to the NYC Parks Department, notable families including the Johnsons, Seguines, and Wolfes acquired land in the 1700s when European colonists created an oyster-harvesting enterprise.
In 1857, Wolfe Farm was acquired by the state to serve as a quarantine facility for ailing immigrants. The facility was moved as a result of local fishermen’s concerns, and in 1907, a developer purchased the property. According to the NYC Parks Department, Wolfe’s Pond Park was a well-liked recreational area by the late 1920s.
In 1933, neighborhood objections resulted in the removal of nearby bungalows and significant park enhancements, such as a new dam and a number of recreational amenities. According to the NYC Parks department, Mayor Giuliani and Borough President Molinari funded three major projects between 1995 and 1998 after winter storms in 1992 broke through the pond’s berm: a $1.2 million pond embankment, a $1.1 million reconstruction of the picnic area and parking lot, and a $1.5 million addition that included sports courts, a tot lot, and shoreline protection.
On May 3, 1935, work is underway on Hylan Boulevard in Prince’s Bay, next to Wolfe’s Pond. (From Historic Richmond Town’s collection.)Advance of Staten Island
In 1955, the waters of Wolfes Pond Beach kept islanders cool. (The Advance of Staten Island)Advance of Staten Island
Wolfes Pond Park, Great Kills Harbor, and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge are in the background of this aerial photograph of the Princes Bay Trade Mart in the foreground. Images of the Princes Bay Trade Mart SkyviewAdvance of Staten Island
Top view…of the sound system for the 1985 Veterans Action Coalition Picnic at Wolfe’s Pond Park by Steve Fundy and Tom McKeown. (The Advance of Staten Island)Advance of Staten Island
A sepia image shows a path made of dirt with bushes and trees on either side. Along the path, a group of individuals are strolling. The photo’s back reads, “Aug. 9, 1930.” The road that leads to Wolfe’s Pond in Staten Island, New York, from the Boulevard. (Source: Staten Island Museum Collection; written by William T. Davis.)Advance of Staten Island
On Sunday, July 19, 2020, Staten Islanders went to Wolfe’s Pond Park to try to escape the oppressive heat. (Humbrecht/Staten Island Advance)Advance of Staten Island
At Wolfe’s Pond Park, the tree line reflects the splendor of the snowy morning. January 27, 2011. (Jan Somma-Hammel/Staten Island Advance)Advance of Staten Island
As the Staten Island fall foliage gradually fades, smaller trees in the vicinity of Wolfe’s Pond Park display vibrant hues. November 11, 2014, Tuesday. (Staten Island Advance/DePrimo, Anthony) Staten Island Advance Staff-Shot
Wolfe’s Pond Park Memorial for the Battle of the Bulge, Thursday, December 16, 2021. Jason Paderon/Staten Island AdvanceAdvance of Staten Island
Family and picnics At Wolfe’s Pond Park, barbecue is just as popular now as it was in the 1950s and 1960s. July 19, 2020. (Humbrecht/Staten Island Advance)Advance of Staten Island
On Sunday, July 19, 2020, residents of Staten Island went to the parks and beaches in the borough to try to escape the oppressive heat. With the heat index potentially reaching 104 degrees, a heat alert was in effect. The beach in Wolfe’s Pond Park. (Humbrecht/Staten Island Advance)Advance of Staten Island
In the Huguenot region, the fall foliage appears to be peeking out. November 1, 2018, Thursday. The climate is ideal for hiking. Wolfe’s Pond Park is where this is. (Jan Somma-Hammel/Staten Island Advance) Staten Island Advance Jan Somma-Hammel
More Vintage Content on SILive
-
The Washington Hotel 1949 postcard shows a lost Staten Island gem | Then and Now
-
From dance halls to fast food: The transformation of one Staten Island intersection | Then and Now
-
Revisiting Robert Moses s impact on the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
-
Richmond Road in Concord spanning 80 years | Then and now
-
From the A&P and Frank s Nursery to new beginnings at Sunrise Senior Living of New Dorp | Then and Now
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
+ There are no comments
Add yours