CHARLESTON — A Staten Island assemblyman has asked the state Parks Department to repurpose Clay Pit Ponds State Preserve Park away from horseback riding to use for bikers and joggers.
Assemblyman Joe Borelli sent a letter to the regional director of the state's Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to renovate the park including repaving the sand-trails designed for horses to make them better for bikers, joggers and dog walkers.
He also wants the ponds better utilized for activities.
"Many of my constituents enjoy bicycling, or running with their dogs, or fishing with their grandchildren," said Borelli in a statement.
"Very few ride horses, or even have access to horses," he continued. "It just makes sense for us to widen the scope of the activities that can be done in this park so that the most people possible can enjoy it."
According to Borelli, the park was originally designed to accommodate the large equestrian community that lived in the area at the time. However, the number of horses in the area has dwindled to little to none but the bridle paths in the park for them have remained, Borelli wrote.
Also, the ponds inside do not freeze and Borelli suggested opening them up for fishing, kayaking, canoeing and other activities.
The state Park's Department did not respond to request for comment.
Borelli asked the department to develop a new plan for the park to broader its uses by the community and promised to discuss funding for them when he enters the City Council.
