Why are parking fees increasing?
Gateway is proposing to increase parking fees beginning in 2021 at Jacob Riis Park in order to maintain and improve visitor services. Eighty percent of the money raised from parking fees stays within the park, and the additional revenue will be used to improve the condition of visitor facilities and help cover the increase in cost for services such as lifeguards. The parking fee is only charged at Sandy Hook from the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Pedestrians and bicyclists would still be able to enjoy the park for free year-round.
What is the proposed fee increase?
The proposed parking fee at Riis Beach is $20 per vehicle and $50 per oversize vehicle and is proposed to take place in summer 2021
The proposed season pass for Riis Beach will be $100 and $200 for oversize vehicle.
Vehicles over 20 feet are considered oversize.
When was the last fee increase?
The last fee increase was 2012 and the proposed fee increase would take effect in 2021.
How many times have fees increased?
Gateway has increased fees twice since 1974, when Gateway was established. The last fee increase was in 2012.
Why raise fees now?
The decision to raise parking fees weighs multiple factors, including the fact that Gateway is a destination for all people and must remain affordable. As visitation continues to rise, this fee increase will help the park maintain the services that visitors expect and deserve, such as safe and clean beaches, restrooms, and shower facilities. Even with the increases, the cost of a visit to Gateway will continue to be in line with other nearby beaches.
Are the any changes to parking pass benefits?
No
What has fee money been used for in the past?
Hundreds of projects and programs in the park have been funded in full or part with fee money. These include:
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Fixing the historic boardwalk railing at Jacob Riis Park.
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Expansion of public kayaking and sailing programs.
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Rehabilitation of the Ryan Visitor Center at Floyd Bennett Field.
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Renovation and repair of the Wise Clock at Jacob Riis Park.
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Renovation of the playground at Canarsie Pier.
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Lifeguard services.
What would the increased revenue be used for?
The new revenue from proposed fee increases would be used to provide enhanced visitor services including repair and maintenance of facilities, capital improvements, resource protection, and visitor programs and services.
Here are some future proposed projects:
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Rehabilitate the entrance booths and lanes at Riis parking lot for increased safety and smoother entry.
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Replace signs throughout the unit.
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Improve ADA accessibility to the beach.
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Repair and replace fire hydrants.
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Remove hazardous trees and replace with new plantings.
What is the difference in prices and benefits with other surrounding beaches and campsites?
Current prices are at or below comparable pricing for nearby beaches (with the exception of State Beaches, which are not market-rate).
Coney Island:
Street parking $1.50/hr, 1-hour max
Commercial lot parking $15-$25/day
Jones Beach State Park:
$10 daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day- $8 off season
Nickerson Beach Park:
$35/vehicle, $15/vehicle for county pass holders
Robert Moses State Park:
$10 daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day, $8 off season
Ocean Beach Park:
Resident $12/person, Non-resident $15/person
Can I still use my Senior Pass/Access Pass?
Yes, visitors with the Senior Pass and Access Pass will continue to receive a 50% discount on parking fees, as they do now.
What can I still do for free?
Plenty! You can still visit the Ryan Visitor Center, the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Frank Charles Park and Fort Tilden for free. Entering Jacob Riis Park by walking, biking or public transportation would still be free. Interpretive and recreational programs such as tours, sailing and kayaking also remain free.
I have some opinions about this! Who will listen to me?
Your opinion is important to us. We would like to hear from you about this proposal. The comment period will run through October 16, 2020. Please email us at Gateway_Feedback@nps.gov.
