Old Place Creek
- Open for recreation: Year-round
- Fee: Free
- Contact Information:
- DEC Region 2 Long Island City Office (M-F, 8:45 AM - 4:45 PM), (718) 482-4900; reg2lands@dec.ny.gov
- Enforcement Matters: 1-833-NYS-RANGERS (1-833-697-7264) or 911
- Location: Staten Island, Richmond County
- Map: Old Place Creek Map (PDF) || Google Earth || DECinfo Locator
The 70-acre Old Place Creek features critical tidal and subtidal wetland habitat located in northwestern Staten Island. The headwaters for the creek begin in the forested wetlands of Graniteville Swamp Woods and then slowly meander toward the northern end of the Arthur Kill next to Goethals Bridge, providing a wonderful stretch of tidal salt marsh.
Featured Activities
Fishing
General information on marine fishing includes how-to and safety tips and links to seasons, rules and regulations.
Schools of small striped killifish and Atlantic silversides attract winter flounder, bluefish and striped bass.
Paddling
General information on paddling includes how-to and safety tips and links to rules and regulations.
An accessible hand boat launch provides access to the creek, which connects to the Arthur Kill in about 2 miles.
For more information on this launch including Google Maps driving directions, visit the Boat Launch Sites for Richmond County page.
Wildlife
General information on animals includes links to information about birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and insects that inhabit or migrate through the state.
Primarily dominated by cord grass, spike grass, common reed, cattail and marsh elder, the saltwater wetlands have extremely high biological productivity, making them an excellent habitat for many varieties of fish, birds, and insects.
Wading birds in particular forage extensively on the plentiful supplies of fish and invertebrates found within the marshes, including bluefish, striped bass, and young winter flounder. Black-crowned night-heron, snowy egret, glossy ibis, cattle egret, great egret, green-backed heron, yellow-crowned night-heron, and little blue heron have all been identified within the area.
In addition, many species of nesting waterfowl have also made use of the critical wetland habitat within Old Place Creek, including the American black duck, mallard, green-winged teal, blue-winged teal, wood duck, Canada goose, and the gadwall.
Accessible Features
General information on accessible recreation includes links to other locations with accessible recreation opportunities and information on permits for motorized access.
Accessible hand launch
The accessible kayak launch at Old Place Creek provides DEC public access to a critical wildlife habitat in northwestern Staten Island. Visitors can begin a short paddle to see the Goethals Bridge or explore paths with shallow grades that take them to a wildlife viewing platform.
Once there, visitors can take advantage of a unique opportunity to immerse in this natural oasis with egrets and herons amidst suburban Staten Island.
Accessible parking is also available.
Directions
Bounded by Forest Avenue and Gulf Avenue on its eastern section, Old Place Creek is located behind Keyspan near the Goethals Bridge Toll Booth.
- Parking area (40.6277654°N, 74.1830386°W) Google Maps (leaves DEC website)
All coordinates provided are in decimal degrees using NAD83/WGS84 datum.
Rules, Regulations and Outdoor Safety
Practice Leave No Trace Principles (leaves DEC website) when recreating on state land to enjoy the outdoors responsibly, minimize impact on the natural resources and avoid conflicts with other users.
All users of Old Place Creek must follow all State Land Use Regulations and should follow all Outdoor Safety Practices for the safety of the user and protection of the resource.
Bird viewing platform
For your safety and protection of the resource, the following regulations are in place:
- Most state properties are carry in/carry out facilities, meaning there are no trash cans and you must take your trash with you when you leave.
- Unauthorized cutting of live trees or new trail building is prohibited.
- No hunting is allowed on any Region 2 DEC properties.
- Fishing is allowed in compliance with state regulations.
- No camping is allowed.
- Keep pets under control and on leash while other forest users are around.
- Unauthorized use of off-road motorized vehicles is prohibited. This includes cars, trucks, ATVs, and motorcycles.
***Stay Safe - Bring a Friend When Visiting the Property***
Illegal activities are strictly prohibited on state property.
Planning and Management
DEC is developing a unit management plan (UMP) which will describe the management activities for these lands. In addition to management objectives, the UMP will contain detailed information on natural features, recreational infrastructure, geology, natural and human history, habitats, wildlife, fisheries and much more.
If you have questions and/or comments about this UMP, please email us at r2.ump@dec.ny.gov.
Nearby State Lands, Facilities, Amenities & Other Information
State Lands and Facilities
Where to Find Nearby Amenities
- Gas, food and other supplies as well as dining and lodging can be found in the nearby community of Staten Island.
Staten Island Tourism (leaves DEC website) can provide information about other recreation, attractions and amenities in this area.
Numerous guidebooks and maps are available with information on the lands, waters, trails and other recreational facilities in this area. These can be purchased at most outdoor equipment retailers, bookstores, and on-line booksellers.
Additional information, outdoor equipment, trip suggestions and guided or self-guided tours may be obtained from outdoor guide and outfitting businesses. Check area chambers of commerce, telephone directories or search the internet for listings.
Consider hiring an outdoor guide if you have little experience or woodland skills. See the NYS Outdoor Guides Association (leaves DEC website) for information on outdoor guides.
