Schumer: Gateway National Recreation Area's Iconic Jacob Riis Bathhouse Should Be Refurbished Into A Multi-Functional Modern Visitor Facility For Beach Goers; Urges Feds To Provide Federal Funding To Transform Historic Art Deco Bathhouse & Make Major Ecological Improvements To Jamaica Bay's West Pond

Press Release

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today urged the Department of Interior (DOI) to provide federal funding to improve the Gateway National Recreation Area by renovating the iconic Jacob Riis Bathhouse and restoring the West Pond. Specifically, Schumer is urging DOI to refurbish Jacob Riis Bathhouse as an adaptive, full-functioning facility with a redesigned, resilient ground level for food service, bicycle rental, and other concessions that are currently lacking at the park. Schumer is also urging DOI to redesign West Pond in a way that will reestablish access to the pond for all visitors and provide greater storm resiliency in the future. Schumer said that West Pond should restore freshwater habitat that will help benefit birds and aquatic species.

Schumer said that despite the enormous population surrounding Gateway National Recreation Area, the unique potential of this invaluable urban park is inhibited by inadequate attention to natural and visitor-serving resources. In advance of the National Park Service's Centennial and implementation of Gateway's recently completed General Management Plan, Schumer is urging the DOI to dedicate federal resources this year and in FY2016 to improving Gateway National Recreation Area.

"The Department of Interior should do everything possible to improve the treasures of Gateway National Recreation Area, and that includes both the iconic Jacob Riis Bathhouse and Jamaica Bay's West Pond. For instance, the historic Jacob Riis Bathhouse has so much potential, yet we've allowed it to be underused for far too long. The Department of Interior should provide federal funding in order to transform the Jacob Riis Bathhouse into a full-functioning facility that can provide much-needed amenities to beachgoers. In addition, we need federal funds to restore West Pond and protect it from future damage. Animals in our ecosystem rely on West Pond and we should do everything to make sure they can continue to call it home," said Senator Schumer.

Jacob Riis Park, as part of Gateway National Recreation Area, is located in Rockaway Beach, Queens. The 40,000-square foot Art Deco bath house opened in 1932 and since the 1990s, has been under construction and practically abandoned. The Jacob Riis Bathhouse was seriously damaged by Tropical Storm Irene, and then again by Superstorm Sandy. Schumer today urged DOI to provide federal funds to transform the iconic Jacob Riis Bathhouse into a multi-functioning facility that will be able to offer a variety of services to beach goers.

West Pond, a 45-acre freshwater body at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, was seriously damaged by Superstorm Sandy when a breach was formed, connecting the Pond tidally to the Bay. While the storm also breached the East Pond, it has already been repaired as part of the project to restore subway service to the A and S lines. For many years, the West Pond has provided nesting, foraging and loafing habitat for some of the 330 species of birds found in Jamaica Bay. The western-most end of the pond has been important for terrapin nesting. Schumer today urged the DOI to provide federal funds to help enhance protection of the West Pond from severe storm events and storm surge in the future. Schumer said that a freshwater marsh habitat provides unique and important habitat for birds, fish and other species.

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