Why are parking fees increasing?
Gateway is proposing to increase parking fees beginning in 2021 at Sandy Hook 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 are the proposed fee increases?
The proposed parking fee at Sandy Hook, New Jersey is $20 per vehicle and $50 per oversize vehicle and is proposed to take place in summer 2021.
The proposed season pass for Sandy Hook will be $100 and $200 for oversize vehicles.
Vehicles over 20 feet are considered oversize vehicles.
When was the last fee increase?
The last fee increase was in 2012, and the proposed fee increase would take effect in 2021.
How many times have fees increased?
Fees have increased four times since 1983, when parking fees were first established at Gateway. 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 compare favorably with other nearby beaches.
Are there 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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Sandy Hook Lighthouse restoration.
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Docking facility expansion at Sandy Hook.
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Shoreline monitoring at Sandy Hook.
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Expansion of free public kayaking and canoeing programs.
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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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Repair the exterior of the Nike Radar Buildings.
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Renovate the Guardian Park restrooms.
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Repair the roof of the Spermaceti Cove Visitor Center.
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Install solar-powered Pedestrian Crossing Signs.
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Upgrade the Sandy Hook water treatment system.
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Increase visitor access to the historic Mortar Battery.
What is the difference in prices and benefits with other surrounding beaches?
Sea Bright:
$8 per person daily (11 & younger free)
$100 per person season pass
Seven Presidents Park:
$8 per person +$10 parking
$70 per person season pass & $70 parking season pass (16 & younger free M-F, 12 & younger free on weekends)
Monmouth Beach:
$9 per person daily + $9 parking (11 & younger free)
$75 season pass per person $40 parking season pass
Can I still use my Senior Pass/Access pass?
Yes, visitors with the Senior Pass and Access Pass would continue to receive a 50% discount on parking fees, as they do now.
What can I still do for free?
Plenty! At Sandy Hook, you can visit Fort Hancock, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, Guardian Park, and Horseshoe Cove. Interpretive programs, including tours, seining and canoeing, are free. Entering the park is still free for those who walk or bike into the park.
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.
