Jacob Riis Park in the New York City borough of Queens, is part of the Jamaica Bay Unit of the Gateway National Recreation Area, and is managed by the National Park Service (NPS). It lies at the foot of the Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge in the middle of the Rockaway Peninsula, just east of Fort Tilden and west of Rockaway Beach. It features an extensive sand beach and a beautiful art deco bath house built in 1932 , which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The bathhouse provides a place to get out of the sun and learn about the park's history. The park is named for Jacob Riis, a famous New York City journalist and photographer who documented the plight of the poor and working class.
The park, which was largely built on the site of the former Rockaway Naval Air Station, one of the first US naval air stations, was designed by the powerful Park Commissioner Robert Moses, who had also created Jones Beach in 1929. Moses saw Riis Park as a Jones Beach for poor immigrants, and ensured that the location was accessible by public transportation and closer to the city. The Atlantic Ocean beach, boardwalks, courtyards, and walkways gave the city's poor a respite from cramped tenements and crowded city streets. In addition to easy access via public transit, a huge parking lot with over 5,000 parking spaces, the largest in the world at the time it was built, provides ample space for those who prefer to drive.
In 1972, Jacob Riis Park was transferred to the control of the National Park Service. Today, its sand, surf, seaside recreation areas and famous Art Deco bathhouse are a popular summer destination. Facilities available in season include the Riis Park Pitch and Putt Golf Course and food concessions.
Getting there
Ferry: New York Water Taxi offers weekday and weekend Rockaway ferry service from Wall Street (Manhattan), Pier 11 and Brooklyn Army Terminal to Riis Landing.
Bus: Connect with the Q35 Green Bus Lines on Flatbush Avenue at the corner of Nostrand, Kings Highway, Fillmore Avenue or Avenue U (Kings Plaza). After the bridge, ask the driver to let you off at either Fort Tilden or Riis Park. Alternate: Q21 or Q53 to Beach 116th Street, then Q22 or Q35 to the park.
Subway and Bus: 2 (also 5 at rush hour) to Flatbush Avenue, then take the Q35 bus to the park. Alternate: A or S to Rockaway Park then Q35 or Q22 bus to the park.
Car: Take the Belt Parkway to Exit 11S, then Flatbush Avenue south across the Marine Parkway Bridge to the park. Alternate: Woodhaven Boulevard to Cross Bay Boulevard, then west on Beach Channel Drive to the park.
External links
- Jacob Riis Park Visitor information
- Jamaica Bay Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area
Coordinates: 40°34′01″N 73°52′27″W / 40.567024°N 73.874130°W
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