Fresh Kills facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Fresh Kills
View of Fresh Kills from Fresh Kills Park
Fresh Kills on the western edge of Staten Island
Country	United States
State	New York
City	New York City
Borough	Staten Island

Fresh Kills is a stream and a freshwater area in the western part of Staten Island, New York City. The name "Kills" comes from a Middle Dutch word meaning "riverbed" or "water channel." This area was once the site of the Fresh Kills Landfill, which was New York City's main place for disposing of trash. Today, this former landfill is being transformed into a huge, beautiful park called Fresh Kills Park.

What is Fresh Kills?

Fresh Kills is a natural waterway that includes streams and an estuary. An estuary is where a river meets the sea, mixing fresh water with salt water. This special environment supports many different plants and animals. The Fresh Kills system helps drain the wet, low-lying areas of western Staten Island. It flows into a larger waterway called the Arthur Kill, near a place called the Isle of Meadows.

Where is Fresh Kills Located?

The Fresh Kills waterway is found on the western side of Staten Island, one of New York City's five boroughs. It is part of a larger network of rivers and creeks. Other waterways that connect to this system include the Rahway River, Morses Creek, and Piles Creek. Through Newark Bay, it also connects to the Passaic River and the Hackensack River. The channels around the Isle of Meadows have specific names: the northern channel is sometimes called Little Fresh Kill, and the southern channel is known as Great Fresh Kill.

Exploring the Branches of Fresh Kills

The Fresh Kills stream has two main branches. The northern branch includes Main Creek and Springville Creek. The southern branch is called Richmond Creek. This creek collects water from much of the central part of Staten Island. Its starting points, or "headwaters," are found near Historic Richmond Town. This area is on the southern edge of the island's terminal moraine, which is a ridge of hills left behind by ancient glaciers. These streams and their surrounding wetlands are now protected. They offer great places for activities like kayaking and watching wildlife.

From Landfill to Park: Fresh Kills' Transformation

For many years, the Fresh Kills area was home to New York City's largest landfill. This is where most of the city's garbage was taken. However, since 2006, an amazing project has been underway. The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, working with a design firm called Field Operations, began transforming this former landfill. Their goal is to create a massive green space known as Fresh Kills Park.

What Can You Do at Fresh Kills Park?

Fresh Kills Park is a huge area, covering about 2,200 acres (8.9 km²). This makes it almost three times larger than Central Park! The park offers many different public spaces and activities. Visitors can enjoy nature trails, go mountain biking, and attend community events. There are also areas for outdoor dining, sports fields, and water activities like kayaking and canoeing. The park's design focuses on bringing nature back and teaching people about our impact on the Earth.

Protecting Our Planet: Green Energy at the Park

A key part of Fresh Kills Park's design is its commitment to environmental sustainability. This means using resources wisely and protecting the environment for the future. The park uses renewable energy sources in its buildings and for public benefit. For example, it uses photovoltaic cells (solar panels) to capture energy from the sun. Wind turbines harness the power of the wind. Geothermal systems use the Earth's natural heat for heating and cooling. These green technologies help the park operate in an eco-friendly way.

The first parts of Fresh Kills Park opened to the public in early 2010. The full development of the park continues in phases. It is expected to be completed by the 2030s, offering a wonderful green space for everyone to enjoy.

See also

• Geography of New York Harbor
• List of New York rivers