Frequently Asked Questions- Cycling Clubs at Floyd Bennett Field in the Jamaica Bay Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area
The NPS welcomes cyclists at Gateway National Recreation Area. There are miles of multi-use paths available to our visitors. Cycling is a healthy activity and a great way to explore and enjoy the park.
Organized cycling events that charge membership and entry fees and provide prizes are commercial ventures which NPS supports so long as they are managed under the appropriate legal instrument.
Why can't the Park just issue a Commercial Use Authorization to allow the Cycling Clubs to continue their events as they have in the past?
Organizations undertaking small scale activities such as cycling clubs may be authorized to do so by way of a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA). This authority, created in 1998, is found in Section 418 of Public Law 105-391, 112 Stat. 3597 (116 U.S.C 5966). Entities that collect fees within park boundaries are limited to $25,000 in annual gross receipts.
Special Use Permits are not the appropriate legal authorization for entities conducting small scale commercial activities.
Why has the Park decided to have Aviator Sports manage events at Floyd Bennett Field?
Aviator Sports has been an NPS Concessioner since 2003 (although Aviator Sports opened their doors to the public in 2006). NPS Concessioners fill a vital role helping the National Park Service (NPS) carry out its mission. Authorized Concessioners work with the NPS to offer services to park visitors that parks do not provide directly. NPS has nearly 500 concession contracts providing services ranging from food and lodging, to whitewater rafting adventures and tours.
The prices and requirements associated with managing the events at Floyd Bennett Field remain the same whether the park or Aviator manages the events.
How did NPS determine the rate for the bike races?
The rates are determined by costs and comparable market evidence. Our market research indicates that the costs and fees implemented are reasonable. Based on market research (NY rates) for the cycling clubs the per event cost would be comparable to NYC rates of $2,000 - $2,500 per race. Comparable information can be found here.
