Can You Fly a Drone at Freshkills Park, Staten Island?

Why Freshkills Park Is Off-Limits for Drones

Freshkills Park is a 2,200-acre site on Staten Island that was formerly the Fresh Kills Landfill, once the largest landfill in the world. The site is being transformed into a major public park in phases, with full completion expected over the coming decades. The park includes rolling hills of capped landfill, restored wetlands, and open grasslands.

Despite its vast open spaces, Freshkills Park is NYC Parks property, and NYC Administrative Code § 18-146 bans drone operations on all Parks-managed land except at designated model aircraft fields. Freshkills is not a designated field.

Environmental Sensitivity

Freshkills Park contains restored ecosystems including wetlands and grasslands that support diverse bird populations. Drone flights can disturb nesting birds and other wildlife. The site’s ongoing environmental monitoring and restoration work adds another layer of sensitivity to unauthorized activities.

Access and Status

Parts of Freshkills Park are still under development and may have limited public access. Even areas that are open to the public remain under the NYC Parks drone ban. Special events and guided tours do not include authorization for drone operations.

Nearest Legal Flying Location

The closest designated model aircraft field is at LaTourette Park & Golf Course on Staten Island, located near Marsh Avenue off Richmond Avenue. Flying at LaTourette’s designated field:

• Does not require an NYPD permit (exempt under 38 RCNY § 24-02(b)(1))
• Does require FAA compliance: Part 107 or TRUST, LAANC authorization, Remote ID
• Must follow any posted site rules