Summertime at Maker Park

CultureVisual Art
Written By Jahtiek Long
Punk Rock mini golf postcards and ephemera on top of a black table.

Silkscreen prints made by Old Town Press for Maker Park Radio’s Punk Rock Mini Golf in June 2023

In 2013, a vacant lot on Front Street in Stapleton underwent a remarkable transformation into what is now known as Maker Park. Spearheaded by the founders of MakerSpace NYC, DB Lampman, and Scott Van Campen, this area was once littered with abandoned vehicles, trash, and debris. Today, Maker Park stands as a vibrant cultural hub, especially during the summer when it hosts an array of arts and cultural events. As one of Staten Island’s most important cultural sites, Maker Park plays a pivotal role in the community. Its summer programming, curated by Maker Park Radio, is inclusive, showcases incredible talent from Staten Island and beyond, and, most importantly, is a lot of fun! 

This photo essay celebrates Maker Park and the dynamic events produced by Maker Park Radio over the past seven years.

Eight translucent balloons with Maker Park Radio logos in black and yellow hang in front of a brick facade and a sign that reads: Maker Space NY

Balloons celebrating Maker Park Radio's 2nd Annual Anniversary, July 2019

A shot of the crowd while “The Jazztronauts” perform. June 2021

A group of people dance and revel in the mud during the rain, in a park with a white tent and elevated train tracks in the background.

Event goers dancing in the rain at Maker Park Radio's 2nd Annual Anniversary Block Party, July 2019

In the rain, a woman with short hair a white t-shirt, stands in front of a kayak in the park, she is smiling.

Jacky Krogh dancing in the rain, July 2019

A group of people with red shirts dance and enjoy a brass band walking through the frame. They are outside with party tents and a building in the background. In the foreground a woman dances with pom poms.

The “Hungry March Band” performing after the storm, July 2019

A man with a bowler hat and beard sings into a microphone facing a woman who extends her right hand out. They are in a tent that says "Maker Park Radio".

Sideshow performance by Adam Realman, President of Coney Island USA, having a nail pulled out of his nose during Maker Park Radio’s 6th anniversary festival, July 2023

People dance enjoyably in front an outdoor stage with a big band with percussion, vocals, and brass. Two audience members dance with a Puerto Rican flag.

10-piece Latin band “Terranova Orquesta” bringing salsa to Stapleton, June 2021

People stand enjoying themselves on a sunny day in a park playing mini-golf. There are tent umbrellas, sculptures, and globe lights in the background.

The custom-made mini golf holes are all handcrafted by different artists! Punk Rock Mini Golf, June 2023

People dance in a mosh pit style on a dirt surface in front of a black stage with musicians, in a park surrounded by cars and a building in the background.

ENRAGE perfoming as the audience moshes, June 2023

A park full of people with their backs toward the camera. Pop-up tents of different colors and globe lights. In the background there is a chainlink fence and industrial buildings.

Maker Park Radio 6th anniversary Festival, July 2023

Are you looking to make your own Maker Park Memories?

Here’s the schedule of this summer's programming by Maker Park Radio!

June 8: Punk Rock Mini Golf

  • Andy Ellison (from John's Children) and the Maker Park All Stars featuring Boz Boorer

  • The Lookout Honeys

  • Big Bliss

  • The Challenged

June 9: Punk Rock Mini Golf

  • Straight To Hell (The Clash Tribute)

  • Goo Goo Fux (The Cramps Tribute)

  • So Last Summer

  • Woof Woof

June 23: Brazil Sunday

  • Te Encontro No Samba

  • Mambembe

  • NY Trio Arrebol

July 20: Maker Park Radio 7th Anniversary Music & Art Fest

  • A Place To Bury Strangers

  • Lip Critic

  • Pons

  • King Like Mom

  • Modern Day Machines

  • Grandma Drinks

August 3: Funk & Soul Fest

  • Lee Fields

  • Snacktime

  • The Jazztronauts

August 10: Badass Benefit

  • Hip Hop Healing

  • More TBD

For more information about Maker Park Radio check out their website: https://makerparkradio.nyc/

Jahtiek Long is an interdisciplinary artist, musician, community organizer, and co-founder of the Shaolin Art Party. He loves photographing the island and playing the ukulele. Jahtiek is passionate about shifting the narrative surrounding Staten Island and showcasing the vibrance of the borough. He’s also really excited about all the new Ramen spots popping up. @jahtieklong

Jahtiek Long

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