Franklin D. Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach

Parks Kicks Off Summer Beach Season In New York City

This week, Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe joined Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, citywide elected officials, and New Yorkers at four ceremonial beach openings throughout New York City to announce the official start of beach season. The City’s beaches will open to the public this Saturday, May 27, with lifeguards on duty daily, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Swimming is strictly prohibited at all other times. Beaches will remain open through Labor Day weekend.

City beaches span a total of 14 miles and include Orchard Beach in the Bronx; Brighton Beach, Coney Island, and Manhattan Beach in Brooklyn; Rockaway Beach in Queens; and Midland Beach, South Beach, and Wolfe’s Pond Beach in Staten Island. All City beaches are free to the public.

"New York City’s beaches are in great shape, and we look forward to a fun and safe summer," said Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe. "We remind beach-goers to observe all beach rules and regulations, carefully monitor children at all times, and especially to never go in the water when there is not a lifeguard on duty."

Over the past four years, Parks & Recreation has spent $40 million on improvements to New York City’s beaches, and there is an additional $28 million worth of ongoing improvements. In the Bronx, a new lifeguard station is being completed to accompany the recently renovated main pavilion at Orchard Beach. South Beach on Staten Island is home to a new gazebo, shade pavilion and restored bathhouse, while Midland Beach boasts a new pier extending from the boardwalk into the Lower Bay of the New York Harbor. At Rockaway Beach in Queens, the City opened a new ocean-side skate park and playground in 2005, along with the City's first surfing beach. In Brooklyn, Parks is installing 95 historic boardwalk lights and will be welcoming professional volleyball to Coney Island for the first time this summer. Parks is also in process of lighting the famous Parachute Jump thanks to $1 million allocated by Borough President Markowitz.

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