Clove Lakes Park

Clove Lakes Park is a 198-acre park in the Sunnyside and West Brighton neighborhoods of central Staten Island, one of the borough's most beloved and heavily used parks. The park is centered on a chain of three man-made lakes formed by damming Clove Brook, a stream that flows through a glacially carved valley.

The park's lakes (Clove Lake, Martling's Pond, and Brooks Pond) provide a scenic setting for walking, fishing, and nature observation. The lakes support populations of turtles, fish, and waterfowl, and the surrounding woodland creates a peaceful, park-like atmosphere that is one of the most attractive in Staten Island.

Clove Lakes Park contains a stand of old-growth forest that includes some of the oldest trees on Staten Island. One tulip tree in the park has been estimated at over 300 years old, making it a contemporary of the trees in Alley Pond Park and Inwood Hill Park as one of the oldest living things in New York City.

The park features a swimming pool, athletic fields, basketball courts, a bocce court, a playground, and a popular ice skating rink that operates during winter months. The park's loop road provides a popular route for joggers and walkers.

Clove Lakes Park is the recreational heart of central Staten Island, combining the natural beauty of its lake-filled valley with comprehensive athletic and recreation facilities. The park serves a broad cross-section of the island's population and is among the most cherished public spaces in the borough.