Sandy Hook Set to Reopen May 1st

Gateway National Recreation Area will reopen the Sandy Hook Unit to the public for the first time since Hurricane Sandy beginning Wednesday, May 1.  A ceremony at 10 A.M. will mark the reopening.

Sandy Hook Unit Coordinator Pet McCarthy said:

Employees and volunteers have literally dug out beach centers and parking logs, and pumped out flooded basements, we've even rebuilt sand dunes and replanted beach grasses.

Beach parking is free until Memorial Day weekend, when beach parking will again cost $15 per day.  The park will open all parking areas on May 1st, and is intending to open the beach centers on Memorial Day weekend.  Beach parking permits will go on sale beginning May 1 at 9 A.M. at the front gate.  Beach parking permits cost $75 for the season, the same as last year.

Beaches B, Gunnison and North will be open to the public.  North and Gunnison are lifeguard-protected beaches from Memorial Day through Labor Day during the hours of 10 A.M. to 6 P.M.  Beach B is not lifeguard protected.

Beaches C, D, and E will also be guarded during the summer season.

Ray's Bike Rentals will be returning to Sandy Hook again this summer, however bikes will only be available for rent at Fort Hancock.  The Visitor Center at Spermaceti Cove was one of several building damaged by the hurricane and will remain closed at this time.