Staten Island was very popular during the nineteenth century for two reasons: its arable land and its summer resorts. People would often swim and fish in the Island's various bodies of water. During the winter, residents would harvest ice from these ponds and lakes. One of the most popular bodies of water was Fresh Pond. This pond was often used for the above recreational activities, as well as for boating and ice skating. By 1850, the names "Fresh Pond" and "Silver Lake" were interchangeably used when referring to the lake. By 1860, locals finally began to refer to the park as solely "Silver Lake".


At the turn of the century, the population of Staten Island began to grow, and more houses were beginning to be built in place of the hotels that once populated the area. This growing population called for the creation of a park and during the first few years of the twentieth century, Staten Island's first established city park was created around Silver Lake.

On January 1, 1926, Jimmy Walker became the Mayor of New York City. During his first six months in office, Mayor Walker decided that the City of New York needed to be changed-for the better. On June 20th, of that same year, it was released that the Mayor had seven divisions of the City that needed to be taken into consideration. One of these divisions focused on parks and recreational facilities. Silver Lake Park was mentioned under this section with a $4,000,000 plan to acquire property around the park and convert it into a golf course.

In 1928, land was finally acquired for the Silver Lake Golf Course. While you may have never heard the name "John Van Kleek, Van Kleek was a very popular golf course architect who actually designed many golf courses around the world. His design was the one that was used for Silver Lake Golf Course, which was completed by 1929. Following its construction, many other recreational facilities were added to Silver Lake Park, such as play areas, softball fields, and tennis courts.Silver Lake Staten Island Golf Course


During the 1940s, locals would use the course during the wintertime for skiing and sledding. These activities still occur on the course, even though the owners have changed since then. For years, Silver Lake Golf Course had been operated by the American Golf Corporation, which is based in California. In May of 2007, Staten Island residents Doug Johnstone and Eve Taranto took over. This transfer of ownership has brought about many improvements that have been made to the course. It has also brought about the hosting of many charitable events which take place on the golf course annually.

The 107-acre golf course is not the only parcel of land that Johnstone and Taranto operate. Next to Silver Lake Golf Course is the Veranda Café, a restaurant overlooking the golf course. The restaurant has four different areas in which people may sit and eat. Inside the building, you have the Oak Room and the Grill Room. The Oak Room can accommodate up to sixty guests, which enables it to be used for dining and celebrations. The Grill Room is equipped with four large televisions, which have cable, and a bar which seats twelve people. These two rooms each have double French doors, which lead out onto the 100-foot long patio, which has plenty of seating. Here, guests can enjoy their meals while viewing the sun setting over the golf course. When there are no golf events going on at Silver Lake Golf Course, outdoor parties are held in the Tent Venue. This area, as you can imagine, can accommodate a great number of guests.

Since the Silver Lake Golf Course is no longer owned by the American Golf Corporation, the rates are different than the rest of Staten Island's golf courses. During the weekend and the weekdays, the rates are unchanged. In the early morning, nine holes will cost $23.25 and eighteen holes will cost fifty dollars. After 12:00 p.m., the rates drop for eighteen holes to forty-two dollars. After 2 p.m., these rates drop yet again to twenty-three dollars. However, an extra twenty-five cents are charged after 2 p.m. during the weekend. If you are a New York City resident, it will cost you less to play than a non-resident. For example, a reservation fee will cost four dollars, whereas it would be double that price for non-residents. Visitors are also able to rent golf carts at the course for a reasonable price.

Posted by Anthony Licciardello on

Tags

Email Send a link to post via Email

Leave A Comment

e.g. yourwebsitename.com
Please note that your email address is kept private upon posting.