WHAT: Gateway National Recreation Area has reopened most of its 26,000 acres to the visiting public. Other areas still require work before they are safe for visitors to enjoy. Exceptions:
Sandy Hook Unit in Highlands, N.J., remains closed until power is restored. PSEG estimates that this will occur no later than Sunday, September 4.
Jacob Riis Park and Fort Tilden in Queens suffered from sand upheaval and debris. The bathhouse at Riis was breached by wind, water and sand.
Great Kills Park on Staten Island is open except for the beach area, which suffered serious erosion. Plumb Beach in Brooklyn also suffered erosion, especially around the bike path. Gateway recommends that visitors put safety first; when an area looks unsafe, avoid it.
WHERE:Sandy Hook Unit in Highlands, N.J., remains closed. Jacob Riis Park and Fort Tilden in Queens remain closed. Great Kills Park on Staten Island is open except for the beach, which suffered severe erosion. Visitors to Plumb Beach in Brooklyn should use caution.
WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2011.
WHY:Hurricane Irene, coupled with high tide, had a major impact on the beach areas at Gateway's three units: Sandy Hook, Staten Island and Jamaica Bay.
--NPS--
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
