Dive Brief:

• On Monday, the New York City borough of of Staten Island officially broke ground for Freshkills Park. The site was formerly Freshkills landfill, the largest landfill in the world. 
• The 3.3-mile park will be converted into green space for the community, serving as walking path and a connector for a bike trail.
• The project will cost an estimated $15.6 million, funded in part by the Federal Highway Administration and a matching contribution from the city.

Dive Insight:

Plans for the park also include a wetland overlook area, replanting native flora and the installation of bike racks and benches for public enjoyment. The installation of up to 35,000 solar panels is expected to get underway in late 2015. The Parks Department said it anticipates the outdoor space will be completed by the summer of 2015.