Pologruto loves adventure, she investigates abandoned areas as a hobby. 

By: Tianah King

Nicole Pologruto explored Kingfisher Park at dusk with her friend Amanda when they saw a shadow of a figure in the distance. They quickly turned right back around and went home, not interested in finding out who the unknown person ahead of them could’ve been.

Kingfisher Park is a small forested area in Staten Island where Pologruto has done most of her exploring. She enjoys the mystery behind investigating vacant places and discovering some of the items left behind.

“I like the aesthetic of it and I like taking photos of it,” said Pologruto. “I’m not scared, I just think it’s interesting.”

Other places Pologruto has been to include Brookfield Park, Conference House Park, and Seaview Hospital, an abandoned children’s hospital known for their treatment of tuberculosis in the 20th century. She stayed outside the building, viewing the old graffiti and peeled paint on the side of it and described a feeling that wasn’t eerie or creepy but simply quiet. 

Pologruto finds herself accompanied by close friends or her younger brother to while adventuring. On Staten Island, the idea of going to look at vacant areas isn’t as taboo as some may think.

“On Staten Island, if you know where to go, you’ll see kids there,” said Pologruto. “Majority of the kids go to smoke and mess around, but me, I like exploring.”

The very first time that Pologruto decided to explore, it was all her idea. She saw a video on youtube of people searching abandoned areas and thought it would be cool to experience that for herself. 

Though she’s been to many places, Pologruto has yet to discover anything too out of the ordinary.

CSI student Nicole Pologruto is fascinated with the idea of exploring vacant spaces. While some may find it scary, her adventurous spirit makes the idea of it more interesting to her than anything. 

“The first time we went we found a campfire, a playhouse, and a ladder,” said Pologruto. “There would be lots of old toys that people left there, ties, rope, just old stuff.”