STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - In an effort to return Tompkinsville Park to the community, the Staten Island Urban Center is hosting art and cultural events at the site throughout the year.
The park, situated at the heart of the Tompkinsville neighborhood, has a lot of potential despite it’s difficult history: it is surrounded by several bus stops, frequented by commuters and passersby and conveniently located just a short walk from the Staten Island Ferry. “It’s a bustling area where everyone is walking somewhere, and it really needs to be a town square and given a purpose,” Kelly Vilar, founder and CEO of the Staten Island Urban Center, said. Across the street from the park is where Eric Garner uttered his last words, “I can’t breathe,” as a police officer held him in a chokehold .
His death became a rallying cry against police violence towards Black and Brown people. “Unfortunately, this park has been through a lot of stuff. Even prior to Eric Garner’s death and being known as the site of his death, it was known as ‘needle park’ at one point.
It just always had this bad vibe, so we want to do things that lift the profile of the park,” Vilar said. Last spring, youth volunteers from the Staten Island Urban Center and park supporters planted 500 daffodils to enhance the park’s vibrancy. S.
I. Urban Center in partnership with Safe In The City hosted a live concert at Tompkinsville Park, featuring Afro Dominicano Band, arts and more. S.
I. Urban Center On a recen.
