In a "State of the National Park" speech last week at Floyd Bennett Field, Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Brooklyn & Queens) announced that $66 million worth of renovations have been completed or are underway in New York City's Gateway National Park since 1998, work to protect and improve its wetlands, wildlife refuge, nature trails, historic sites, playgrounds, recreation areas and more. More than $6 million of that funding is earmarked for the restoration of the airfield's historic main terminal that now serves as the park's Ryan Visitor Center. The 76-year-old, three-story building's ground floor and atrium have been restored, but its upper floors are blemished with peeling paint and broken tiles.
Weiner and park superintendent Barry Sullivan met last winter and decided that the terminal's renovation would be a major priority.
The restoration would include transforming the former control tower installed by the Navy during World War II into a panoramic viewing spot overlooking the park to enhance the visitors' experience.
The Gateway National Recreation Area covers 19,000 acres along the New York and New Jersey coasts, more than all of New York City's parks combined. Gateway was visited by 4.1 million people last year, a 3.2 percent increase, making it the fourth most visited national park in the nation.
"It's easy to explain Gateway's popularity," Weiner said. "It's a place to explore historic Floyd Bennett Field and now home to a brand new world class family sports and recreation facility. Or to stroll along the beautiful beaches and sandy shorelines in Riis Park, Breezy Point and the Rockways. Or bicycle along a new greenway path while taking in one of the most scenic routes in Queens. Or to experience the natural wonders of Jamaica Bay and its fragile marshland, which is home to over 9,000 acres of waterways, and is one of the largest bird sanctuaries in the United States."
The Jamaica Bay and Breezy Point units of Gateway, which fall primarily in Brooklyn and Queens, extend from Plumb Beach to Jamaica Bay, from Howard Beach to Rockaway, comprising a remarkable natural resource, and a place where families can come to learn, experience the great outdoors, or just relax and have fun.
Since first being elected to Congress in 1998, Rep. Weiner has made sustaining Gateway, and improving its facilities a top priority. The funding has resulted in upgrades, such as facelifts for the Golf Center, Gateway Marina, the popular Riis Pitch & Putt golf course, Riis Landing, preserving the Wildlife Refuge, renourishing the beaches and wetlands and the rehabilitation of playing fields in Fort Tilden and the Riis Park Tot Lot.
Projects completed, underway or in the planning stages all across Gateway, include the following:
+Four of Floyd Bennett's eight hangars were transformed into a brand new, multi-use family sports and recreation facility, consisting of a variety of amenities for everyone, including outdoor playing fields for football and soccer, plus a food court.
+Weiner and park officials last year opened the 1.5 mile multiple use path that runs through the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, allowing visitors to bike, stroll, jog, rollerblade and bird watch along one of the most scenic routes in Queens. The path is a new link to the city's 350-mile Greenway system.
+Set to open this spring is the park's visitor facility that has been almost doubled in size and now includes a multi-purpose room for school groups and public lectures, display space and a variety of cutting edge energy efficient upgrades.
Weiner is also fighting for funds for Cricket Fields at Floyd Bennett Field. This project would be implemented through the existing partnership between the NPS and the Floyd Bennett Cricket Club. This funding would allow for construction of a clubhouse, bleachers, bathroom, commentary box, side screens, scoreboards, and a sprinkler system at the site of the current field.
"Though millions enjoy Gateway National Park every year, it's still one of New York City's best kept secrets," said Weiner. "These improvements will continue to fuel an ongoing renaissance at Gateway that will allow even more New Yorkers to enjoy the outdoors without leaving the Big Apple."
