State Parks to Be Ready for Memorial Day

Several state parks across the region that sustained damage this past Fall from Hurricane Sandy, including Captree State Park, will open in time for Memorial Day weekend, officials announced.

Topping the list are Robert Moses State Park and Jones Beach State Park, both of which sustained significant damage when Sandy came ashore in late October.

According to New York State officials, all parking fields at Robert Moses will be open, but parking capacity may be reduced depending on the amount of space available to beachgoers.

A decision about access to the beach and swimming will be made just prior to Memorial Day weekend.

At Jones Beach the boardwalk will be open, but there'll be certain areas with temporary railing until all replacement material is installed. Repairs to Field #10 fishing piers and the Boat Basin will be on-going.

In addition, lifeguard buildings and umbrella stands will be under construction, with some expected to be completed by Memorial Day weekend.

At Belmont Lake State Park in North Babylon, the park will be open for the holiday weekend with tree work and fence repair expected to be on-going.

Currently, tree repair, clean-up, stump grinding and fence repairs are underway along the park boundaries. Debris is being stockpiled in preparation for removal.

Other NYS parks across the region that'll be open for Memorial Day are Bayard Cutting Arboretum in Great River, Captree State Park, Connetquot River State Park and Preserve, Gilgo Beach and Heckscher State Park in East Islip.

“Our parks and beaches on Long Island are the escape that people need,” said Rose Harvey, State Park Commissioner. “Sandy caused a lot of destruction but our crews and contractors are fiercely working to get us in great shape to kick off the Summer.”

Related Coverage:

• After Sandy - Long Island Recovers
• Hurricane Sandy Long Island
• The Latest Sandy Updates

Connect:  Facebook | Twitter | Newsletters | Blogging | Posting Photos | Announcements | Events