Freshkills Park will offer a Discovery Day on June 26 2016 from 11am to 4pm. During the free event, 700 acres of the otherwise closed site will be open for tours and recreation.

At 2,200 acres, Freshkills Park is almost three times the size of Central Park and the largest park to be developed in New York City in over 100 years. It also has a significant history as the site of the former Fresh Kills Landfill, which was the largest landfill in the world before closing in 2001. Since then, the landfill has been covered with layers of soil and infrastructure, and the site has become a place for wildlife, recreation, science, education, and art.  As the park is built in phases, free tours and events provide access for learning and exploration opportunities.

During Discovery Day events, eight miles of trails and paths will offer views of the park’s hills, creeks, and wildlife. A 5K course will be mapped out for runners and walkers. There will also be shuttle buses into the park and a shuttle to and from the top of a hill that offers panoramic views of New York City.

Visitors of all ages can bring their own bicycle or borrow one at the park to bike across five miles of pavement, including a 3-mile loop along meadows and wetland ponds. Educational tours and displays will cover a variety of topics, including sustainability, ecology, landfill infrastructure, and design. Kayaking tours will also be available with pre-registration required.

Please register here.

Image Credit: Freshkills Park