In 17th century Staten Island, you would be in the midst of a small Dutch community if you strolled down Sand Lane. By 1906, investors realized that the coastline attracted wealthy vacationers from New York and New Jersey trying to beat the summer heat, so they created a place that combined the excitement of Coney Island, Atlantic City and Broadway. Dubbed Happy Land, tourists and vacationers came to it by trolley and ferry boat. Along the shoreline were luxury hotels and casinos, and close by were summer bungalows.
When the Great Depression began in October 1929, the decline of Happy Land began. Because of the bad economy and polluted water, tourists and vacationers no longer found the beaches inviting. Many blamed then-president Herbert Hoover for the country’s financial woes and were eager to vote Franklin D. Roosevelt into office. Roosevelt — who was born in New York and served as its governor prior to his presidency — created organizations to stimulate the economy, including the Works Progress Administration. Through it, South Beach’s Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk was built in 1935. It stretches southeast, from Fort Wadsworth to Miller Field.
If you strolled down Sand Lane toward the water prior to 1997, the South Beach Amusement Park would have been on your right. It boasted a fun house, Ferris wheel, bumper cars, arcade and covered eatery. The amusement park held fond memories for many Staten Islanders — such as Pepsi cap day, staying on the Tilt-A-Whirl as long as one could without getting sick, braving the funhouse alone in the car, and trying to get the most tickets in Skee-Ball. Most importantly, Staten Islanders loved taking their kids to the amusement park to make their own memories.
Now, those days have passed. Where the amusement park used to stand are now rows of townhouses, various merchants, and people busily going about their days. The magnificent Dolphin Fountain, which stands at the north end of the Boardwalk, remains.
Since 1995, $20 million has been distributed for improving South and Midland beaches. Every summer, Borough President Molinaro sponsors “Back to the Beach,” during which the Boardwalk is full of local merchants; the aromas of sausage and peppers, zeppoles, gyros, and fried Oreos fill the air; and, of course, the familiar tune of the ice cream truck is music to everyone’s ears.
On the beach, people gather to watch the amateurs and professionals face off in the sand castle contest and volleyball tournament. By the Dolphin Fountain, there are live bands, and toward Midland — by the giant turtle sprinkler built for climbing and cooling off — there are local DJs playing the latest hits.
Some Staten Islanders will show up early and patronize South Fin Grill, a restaurant on the Boardwalk. There, they can dine and sip cocktails while enjoying the spectacular 9 pm firework show.
During the rest of the year, the Boardwalk attracts skaters, walkers, cyclists, or those just wanting to sit on one of the many benches and enjoy the ocean breeze and marvel at the scenery.
In 2002, an 835-foot-long fishing pier — the largest in the city — was built next to the Freedom Circle, which flies flags commemorating six important moments in history. Along the stretch from Fort Wadsworth to Miller Field there are ball fields, parks, handball courts, sprinklers, benches, checkerboard tables and bocce courts. There used to be a roller hockey rink and skate park, and I hope Molinaro listens to the community outcries and brings them back.
The beach, Boardwalk, and rides were part of my childhood, and my oldest child was able to enjoy much of the same summer fun I had. But my middle son was a bit deprived due to the closing of the rides and renovation of South Beach. Now, my youngest son is ready to explore the beach, and he already loves riding his bicycle along the cement from Midland Beach toward the Boardwalk of South Beach. I love the memories I have of Staten Island’s Boardwalk, and now, watching my boys create their own is the best part of summer.
