Our comment period is open through Oct. 16, 2020. Please email us at Gateway_Feedback@nps.gov.
Gateway is proposing to increase parking fees beginning in 2021 at Jacob Riis Park and 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 revenues 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 and Riis Park from the Saturday before Memorial Day through Labor Day. Biking, walking or using public transportation into these beach areas will remain free.
This would be Gateway's first parking fee increase in several years. Fees last increased at Sandy Hook and Jacob Riis Park in 2012. Visitors with Senior or Access Passes would be charged half price for parking fees, as they are now.
The proposed parking fee at both Riis Beach and Sandy Hook is $20 per vehicle and $50 per oversize vehicle and is proposed to take place in summer 2021.
The proposed season pass for both Riis Beach and Sandy Hook will be $100 and $200 for oversize vehicle.
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Comparing Current and Proposed Fees
Sandy Hook Unit
Current Fees
Daily: $15 per vehicle
Season Pass: $75 per vehicle
Oversized vehicle (20') daily: $30 per vehicle
Oversized Vehicle Season Pass: $150
Proposed Fees for Summer 2021
Daily: $20 per vehicle
Season Pass: $100 per vehicle
Oversized vehicle (20') daily: $50 per vehicle
Season Pass, Oversized Vehicle: $200 per vehicle
Jamaica Bay Unit
Current Fees
Daily: $10 per vehicle
Season Pass: $65 per vehicle
Oversized vehicle (20') daily: $20 per vehicle
Oversized vehicle season pass: $130
Proposed Fees for Summer 2021
Daily: $20 per vehicle
Season Pass: $100 per vehicle
Oversized vehicle (20') daily: $50
Oversized seasonal charge: $200
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Past projects that have been funded from fee dollars include:
- Renovation and repair of the Wise Clock at Jacob Riis Park.
- Renovation of the playground at Canarsie Pier.
- Sandy Hook Lighthouse restoration.
Proposed future projects include:
- Rehabilite Toll Booths at Riis parking lot for increased safety and smoother entrance.
- Replace signs throughout the park.
- Repair the exterior of the Nike Radar Buildings.
- Improve ADA accessibility to the beach.
- Renovate the Guardian Park restrooms.
- Repair roof of Spermaceti Cove Visitor Center.
- Increase visitor access to the historic Mortar Battery.
What is the difference in prices and benefits with other surrounding beaches?
NJ 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
NY Beaches
Coney Island:
Street parking $1.50/hr, 1-hour max
Commercial lot parking $15-$25/day
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 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. . Entering the park is still free for those who walk or bike into the park. 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 throughout the park.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions about Riis Park
Frequently Asked Questions about Sandy Hook
