How Fitting to have the amazing Shirley Chisolm State Park dedicated to the Legend/Civil Rights-Political Activist/Pioneer and Brooklyn-Born Bred Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisolm! She was definitely a trailblazer w/ numerous accolades including being a teacher. Ms. Chisolm was the first Black Woman in Congress as well as the first African-American woman to seek the United States presidential nomination, not to mention she was a proud member of the NAACP, The Urban League, the Democratic Party Club in Bedford Stuyvesant aection of Brooklyn, etc. Much more could be stated about Shirley Chisholm, so it truly is a no-brainer to have the Shirley Chisolm State Park in existence in her honor.
When I first looked up ways to travel there via public transportation, the main thing mentioned was to take a specific bus and walk 30 minutes. Although I enjoy walking, I wanted to save my walking energy for the actual park trails experience, therefore deciding to seek alternate travel options. Upon arrival, I absolutely loved seeing the Shirley Chisolm mural created by Artist Danielle Mastrion - really a colorful + wonderful masterpiece! One of the Park Rangers provided me w/ a map and it is then that the journey began.
Acres and acres of glorious greenery, beautiful gravel/non-gravel trails, breathtaking scenic views, etc. awaited during my three hour visit. Taking deep breaths of fresh air, feeling the nice breeze of my skin and taking in all of the fantastic sights along the way put me in a peaceful, calming mood. Shirley Chisholm State Park is sivided into 2 sections encompassing the Pennsylvania Avenue Entrance + the other w/ the Fountain Avenue Entrance. The Penn Ring Drive Trail on the Pennsylvania Avenue side of the park allowed me to view individuals enjoying the beach-like area while fishermen were catching seafood. The Penn Pier is where people can use fishing rods supplied by the park to fish and someone actually caught a fish! Walking near the highway, there is an area connecting the two main park areas together. The Fountain Ring Drive Trail on the Fountain Avenue Entrance side of the park has the Fountain Pier ( I stayed there for awhile and enjoyed this space) and many more hikinh spots to observe scenic views. I felt like I received an extraordinary workout.
Nunerous benches, picnic bench areas, portable restrooms, beach-like areas as well as a Bike Library Program in which people rent and ride bikes to use along the trails are all available at Shirley Chisholm State Park. To preserve this marvelous park, there are rules such as no grilling or fires, no pets allowed, no smoking, no feeding the wildlife, etc. I definitely remembered the rule of walking only on the trails beacsue there are ticks and it is important to keep yourself safe and to preserve the wildlife. Shirley Chisholm State Park is open all year-round and closes everyday at dusk.
Shirley Chisholm State Park is a true close-to-home /away from home but kind of in your Brooklyn backyard oasis! Glad that I visited as part of the Yelp Brooklyn #LocalAdventureChallenge! read more