STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - The murky Kill Van Kull is the final resting place of at least five large boats that once traversed the waters off Staten Island. 

The five are partially visible and more may be resting on the bottom of the waterway between Staten Island and New Jersey, a silent reminder of the borough's maritime past.

"I find it elegant and attractive and unique. Where do you see this in New York City?" said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver.

Trees and brush along Richmond Terrace once made it difficult to see the maritime graveyard from the shore. But the growth was cleared away and parts of the five vessels are now visible from a new overlook plaza that's been officially dedicated.

City Councilwoman Debi Rose pitched the idea for the park in 2016, when the city was busy creating pedestrian plazas all over the city. 

The North Shore Democrat suggested using the undeveloped city-owned property for a different kind of outdoor space — an overlook, with plenty of benches for quiet observation, and a plaza, that can be used for hosting community parties and events. 

"This park is a story of transformation and restoral," Rose said.

The land was once owned by a man named Garrett Wright, who also happened to be Staten Island's police commissioner in the 1800s. The city acquired the property in the 1950s.

At least one of the five vessels was a tug boat. It's believed they were junked there when they no longer were useful.

The views of them have long been obstructed and for years, the property attracted illegal dumping. Community activist Jim Scarcella often volunteered to clean it up.

"There was a huge hillside, a mound of garbage, and in here, and there were cars, there were abandoned cars, there was tons of driftwood. We found pieces of boats, We found life jackets from an old ferry. To see all of this, now that people can access it, is really a treasure for us," Scarcella said.

The overlook plaza is the first of its kind on Staten Island. But it may not be the last. Officials are hoping to replicate the idea to open up other waterfront locations to residents.