STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Staten Island\u2019s parks are not only places for residents to relax and enjoy outdoor activities; they also serve as essential landmarks that support the community\u2019s well-being. And volunteer efforts help maintain these spaces and keep them accessible to all.<\/p>\n
\u201cVolunteering supplements the work our agency can do, and creates community buy-in for our parks and playgrounds throughout Staten Island. We encourage everyone to visit the Parks volunteer portal to find out how they can get involved and become a steward for their local greenspace,\u201d said Borough Parks Commissioner Joseph Homsey.<\/p>\n
In 2023, NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue released the agency\u2019s $3.2 billion plan<\/a> to protect existing park facilities and deliver equitable new resources to underserved communities.<\/p>\n As part of the plan, NYC Parks developed the Vital Parks Explorer, an online interactive map<\/a> that gives residents access to data about parks, including services, amenities and conditions across neighborhoods.<\/p>\n The map<\/a> allows residents to view access to more than 20 critical park services, including dog runs, greenways and Parks Enforcement Patrol visits. <\/p>\n It also highlights volunteer opportunities and community stewardship groups across the five boroughs, including Staten Island.<\/p>\n Since the department has introduced these new tools that help people explore park access and volunteer opportunities, it has also reached a major milestone. <\/p>\n On July 22, 2025, the agency announced it has surpassed one million volunteers<\/a> citywide contributing more than 200 million volunteer hours\u2014including thousands who help maintain Staten Island\u2019s parks.<\/p>\n The milestone marked a key step in advancing Parks\u2019 Vital Parks for All initiative, giving more than 500,000 residents opportunities to help keep the city\u2019s parks safe and clean, connect with nature and their communities, and support their well-being.<\/p>\n Volunteer work continues to play a vital role in keeping parks, which serve as community hubs across New York City, healthy, clean and enjoyable. <\/p>\n Parks encourages residents to take part in hands-on projects and stewardship programs across the five boroughs, including events throughout Staten Island.<\/p>\n How New Yorkers Can Help<\/p>\n On Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, volunteers can help at Greenbelt Native Plant Center on Staten Island from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. They will assist the Plant Ecology Center and Nursery staff in caring for a variety of native plants grown for parks and restoration projects throughout the city, including weeding, transplanting and moving plants. For more information, individuals can visit here<\/a>. <\/p>\n On Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, volunteers can help at the Historic Sylvan Grove Cemetery from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. They will join Urban Park Rangers and Friends of Abandoned Cemeteries Staten Island to clean and preserve the historic cemetery. For more information, individuals can visit here<\/a>.<\/p>\n There are more upcoming events where individuals can get involved in the community effort. For more information, individuals can visit the NYC Parks website<\/a>. <\/p>\n