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Tags:Bethpage Air Show, Bethpage Air show at Jones Beach, Jones Beach Air Show, Jones Beach State Park, Long Island events, Memorial Day air show, Memorial Day Air Show at Jones Beach, Memorial Day weekend events, NYS Parks
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Long Island’s American Airpower Museum’s WWII Warbirds Join Jones Beach Air Show, Offer 4 Days of Flight Experiences at Republic Airport

May 7, 2021

*A fly-by of World War II era planes from the American Air Power Museum,* Long Island’s only flying military aviation museum, at the popular Jones Beach Air Show. The museum not only will be participating in the air show, but offer flight demonstrations, experiences for four days, May 27-30. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Farmingdale, Long Island – Memorial Day Weekend is when we honor our fallen Veterans, the sacrifices made by active duty military and those retired from service. In observance of Memorial Day Weekend, American Airpower Museum (AAM) continues their historic participation in the Jones Beach Air Show, flying their fabled “Arsenal of Democracy” warbirds over Jones Beach on Saturday, May 29th and Sunday, May 30th. AAM’s fleet of iconic and meticulously restored military aircraft will include a B-25 Mitchell Bomber, Douglas C-47 Skytrain troop transporter, Grumman TBM Avenger Torpedo Bomber, Curtiss P-40 Flying Tiger, P-51D Mustang Fighter, AT-6 Texan Warbird and AT28D5 Nomad Vietnam Era Fighter.

On May 29^th and May 30^th, Hangar 3 opens at 10:00 a.m. Arrive there early, park your car, sign in and enjoy the exhibits. During the morning, you’ll be called outside to watch our pilots start their engines, taxi and lift off, performing exciting flybys with Republic Air Traffic Control permission, before leaving to join the Jones Beach Air Show. Have lunch and later on watch as our aircraft return from Jones Beach in the afternoon, touch down and taxi back to Hangar 3. Flight experiences also available each day on AAM’s AT-6 Texan and Waco Biplane!

AAM also welcomes three visiting U.S. Navy EF/A-18 Super Hornets from May 27^th through May 30^th. The Hornets are supersonic combat jets, designed as both fighters and attack aircraft. Exclusive to AAM, Hornets are not in the Jones Beach Air Show and will be on AAM’s ramp all four days. Be there early a.m. as the Hornets touch down at Republic on Thursday, May 27^th. Hornets are scheduled to depart on May 31^st or June 1^st. AAM’s WWII aircraft will also have practice fly days Thursday and Friday in the a.m. and p.m.

According to AAM founder Jeff Clyman, the goal for this four-day salute is two-fold: “To honor the men and women of the ‘Greatest Generation’ who built, maintained and piloted the iconic warbirds of yesteryear in a bold defense of freedom during World War II, as well as active duty military, national guard and reservists who continue this mission and command the skies in advanced supersonic jet aircraft to our present day.”

Since everyone can’t be at Jones Beach on Saturday and Sunday, Jeff Clyman decided to stage this four-day salute so folks on the beach, as well as those closer to home, can enjoy AAM’s warbirds. So, if you want to avoid the Wantagh Parkway crawl to Jones Beach, you can park instead for FREE in AAM’s lot and along New Highway! Bring the family, hang out with us all day, and watch exciting warbirds in action each day!

One other note: The Air Show features a U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II, “The Warthog,” flying over Jones Beach. AAM has its very own A-10, our nation’s premier close air support attack aircraft and it’s on display outside Hangar 3, with staff ready to answer your questions about its special features and armaments.

Admission for adults is $15, seniors & veterans $10 and children 5-12 $8. Tickets and pre-registration is not required and admission is on a first-come-first-serve basis. The Museum can now operate at 100% capacity, in accordance with New York’s May 19^th lifting of pandemic capacity limits. However, there is still a need for social distancing and guests must wear face masks plus have temperatures taken at the door. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all four days, plus AAM is open Monday, May 31^st, Memorial Day.

American Airpower Museum , Hangar 3, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale, NY 11735, 631-293-6398, info@americanairpowermuseum.org – www.americanairpowermuseum.com

Tickets on Sale for 2021 Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach, Long Island

April 18, 2021

*US Air Force Thunderbirds display their daring flying at Bethpage Air Show, Jones Beach, Long Island, for Memorial Day weekend* © *Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

Sales of Event Parking Passes for the 2021 Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach, Long Island are on sale as of Monday, April 19 at 9 a.m. Event Parking Passes will be required for all three shows beginning with Friday’s practice show on May 28, 2021 and culminating with the final show on Sunday, May 30. The $10 per vehicle Event Parking Passes can be obtained from State Parks’ website. Additionally, 1,800 passes will be distributed to Long Island’s three health care networks to be provided to their frontline health care workers involved in the pandemic response.

“The return of the Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach is one of the latest examples of our work to re-open by putting common-sense measures in place to keep New Yorkers safe,” Governor Cuomo said. “We are especially pleased that this year we will be able to recognize the selfless and courageous health care heroes who have sacrificed so much over the past year in order to keep their fellow New Yorkers safe. Thanks to their dedication and perseverance, New York has been able to not only beat back the virus, but begin our return to normalcy as well.”

To purchase an Event Parking Pass, visit the State Parks’ website here. There is a limit of one pass per transaction. Bethpage Federal Credit Union, along with New York State Parks and WABC are working together to bring a livestream of the air show on Saturday, May 29, 2021 with a rain day of Sunday, May 30, 2021. This is an exciting and important addition to bring the air show to anyone who cannot attend the event at Jones Beach. It will be available here and on WABC-TV’s Connected TV Apps on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Roku.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Jones Beach will be limited to 50% capacity and only Special Event Parking Pass holders will be admitted to the parking fields. Public transportation/ buses will be running however, no other buses will be authorized. Taxis, Lyft, Uber, ride-sharing, or individual drop-offs will not be permitted. An Event Parking Pass will be required per vehicle, not per person; every vehicle will need a pass. Upon purchase, there is no additional event fee or ticket required. Empire passports cannot be used for the purchase of this pass and cannot be used for entry into the parking fields during this special event.

It is critical that at the time of purchase, a valid email address is provided. Pass holders will receive a confirmation email followed by a second email, which will include the QR code needed for entry, within a week prior to the event. The QR code will only scan for a one-time use at the designated parking field. The pass holder will be assigned a half hour time interval for arrival; example 8:00AM-8:30AM. It is recommended that the QR be downloaded prior to arrival.

All attendees must remain on the beachfront; sitting or standing on the boardwalk will not be permitted. Social distancing guidelines will be adhered to. Masks/face coverings are required when visitors cannot maintain a 6-foot distance. When on the beach, parkgoers must maintain a 10-foot distance between blankets. Additional information regarding the show can be found here.

“State Parks is excited to host the return of the Air Show, and we ask all the fans to be cognizant of the new procedures designed to keep people safe,” State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said. “With their cooperation and the hard work of sponsors, partners, performers and staff, we can all look forward to a successful and carry on this tradition that brings so many families and friends together.”

CEO of Bethpage Federal Credit Union Wayne Grosse said, “We are really excited to add the livestream to this year’s air show. With limited in person attendance, the livestream will show off Long Island and the air show to the rest of the country.”

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which are visited by 78 million people annually. A recent study found that New York State Parks generates $5 billion in park and visitor spending, which supports nearly 54,000 jobs and over $2.8 billion in additional state GDP. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit www.parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer mobile app or call 518-474-0456. Also, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

See photo gallery of Jones Beach Air Shows:

16TH ANNUAL BETHPAGE AIR SHOW AT JONES BEACH, LONG ISLAND, HONORS SPIRIT OF MEMORIAL DAY

PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS FROM 15^TH ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY BETHPAGE AIR SHOW AT JONES BEACH, LONG ISLAND

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Tags:air shows, Bethpage Air show at Jones Beach, Jones Beach Air Show, Long Island events, Memorial Day Air Show at Jones Beach
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US Navy Blue Angels, Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds Highlight Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach, Long Island

May 12, 2018

JonesBchAirShow_052816_809e2(c) Karen Rubin-USN BlueAngels

The world-renowned United States Navy Blue Angels and the Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds will headline the 15^th Annual Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach, taking place Memorial Day Weekend, Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The heart-stopping event is presented by Bethpage Federal Credit Union and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels, last at Jones Beach in 2016, are returning to the Bethpage Air Show for their eighth performance during their 72nd anniversary season and will provide the climatic final performance of the show at approximately 2 p.m. The Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds will be making their fourth performance at the Bethpage Air Show, where they will thrill fans with more than 50 different formations and maneuvers.

The F-22 Raptor, the United States Air Force’s newest fighter aircraft, which performs both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, will also make an appearance at the 15th anniversary show. The F-22 was designed to project air dominance, rapidly and at great distances, and defeat threats attempting to deny access to our nation’s Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. The F-22 cannot be matched by any known or projected fighter aircraft. The F-22 will perform for crowds with its own remarkable demonstration, as well as alongside the United States Air Force Heritage Flight Team for a special aerial performance.

Other thrilling performers at this year’s show include the United States Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, performing in their 13^thBethpage Air Show; legendary air show pilot Sean Tucker performing in his custom-built Oracle Challenger II biplane; extraordinary aerobatic pilot Matt Chapman; the John Klatt Airshows — Jack Links’ Screamin’ Sasquatch Jet Waco Aerobatic Team; the world famous GEICO Skytypers and their flight squadron of six vintage WWII aircraft; the American Airpower Museum Warbirds; Long Island’s own David Windmiller; the Yankee Lady B17, our hometown, 106^th Air Rescue Wing will show their support by performing a HC-130 and HH-60 fly-by demonstration; and new for their third air show performance, the SUNY Farmingdale State College Flying Rams, who will fly seven of their 22 college-owned aircraft in a fly-by piloted by their top academic professional pilot performers.

“This year we have a remarkable lineup of world-class performers, and are very pleased to welcome back the United States Navy Blue Angels to Long Island. We are also especially excited to be included in the Grunt Style Air Show Majors Tour, which unites the most prestigious air shows in the country,” said George Gorman, deputy regional director, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. “The tour was developed to help increase awareness for the air show industry, so we look forward to welcoming many new guests to Jones Beach for our amazing show.”

“The Bethpage Air Show is celebrating its 15^th anniversary this year, due in large part to the endless enthusiasm and passion of our audience,” said Linda Armyn, senior vice president of corporate affairs, Bethpage. “We are all privileged to be able to continue to honor our nation’s military by bringing many of the world’s best military and civilian performers together for a show of this magnitude. The Bethpage Air Show has become a celebrated Long Island tradition, and we looking forward to another wonderful show.”

Two years ago, when the Blue Angels last headlined the show, the Bethpage Air Show had record-breaking attendance with 453,000 spectators. Last year, over 347,000 fans attended the Bethpage Air Show when the United States Air Force Thunderbirds headlined the show.

In addition to Bethpage Federal Credit Union and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach is sponsored by Newsday, WABC-TV Channel 7, PSEG Long Island, Natural Heritage Trust, the U.S. Army, Loacker, New York Islanders and Connoisseur Media Long Island. The show can be heard in its entirety on WHLI 1100 and 1370 AM. Bethpage Air Show announcers will lead air show activities from the Jones Beach State Park Central Mall Boardwalk area where food, beverages and ground activities will be available for fans.

The Bethpage Air Show is free to the public, but the standard $10 vehicle use fee will be collected each day upon entry to the State Park. For the 2018 NYS Empire Passport holders, there is no vehicle use fee charge.

For $80, the Empire Passport card provides unlimited vehicle access to most facilities operated by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Empire Passports are available for purchase at any Long Island State Park and can be utilized immediately to enjoy the forests, the seashores and the lakefronts of New York State’s parks through all of New York’s beautiful seasons.

For more information about this year’s show, visit http://www.bethpageairshow.com or contact the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Regional Office, Recreation Department at 631-321-3510.

See photos from 2017 Bethpage Memorial Day Air Show at Jones Beach:

USAF Thunderbirds Headline Memorial Day Weekend Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach, Long Island

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Tags:air shows, Bethpage Air Show, Blue Angels, Jones Beach Air Show, Long Island air show, Memorial Day Air Show at Jones Beach, Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds, US Navy Blue Angels
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USAF Thunderbirds to Headline Memorial Day Weekend Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach, Long Island

May 22, 2017

12th Annual Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach, Long Island, Memor

The US Air Force Thunderbirds return to Jones Beach to headline the Bethpage Air Show over Memorial Day Weekend, demonstrating precision flying skills © Karen Rubin/ goingplacesfarandnear.com

By Karen Rubin, Travel Features Syndicate, goingplacesfarandnear.com

The US Air Force Thunderbirds will headline the annual Memorial Day weekend Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach, Long Island, flying the thrilling red, white and blue F-16s. the event takes place at Jones Beach State Park, Saturday May 27 and Sunday May 28, noon to 5 pm (get there early to get parking).

This year’s air show marks the return of the American Airpower Museum Warbirds, which present historic aircraft in a moving display.

A personal favorite is the GEICO Skytypers Airshow Team, a flight squadron of six vintage WWII era U.S. Navy SNJ-2 trainers . The team performs a thrilling, low-altitude, precision-formation flying demonstration filling the sky and coming from all directions (even right at each other) to provide spectators a unique viewing experience while showcasing the tactics and maneuvers utilized during training during WWII.

10th Annual Air Show at Jones Beach, Long Island

Geico Skytypers demonstrate thrilling military maneuvers, including coming at each other from opposite directions and crossing so perilously close they look like they are entangled © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

The airshow traditionally kicks off with a ceremonial parachute drop by a representative of the US Army Parachute Team, the Golden Knights (who return later in the show for a full program), delivering the American flag to a tiny target on Jones Beach, parachuting from an altitude of 12,500 ft, at speed of 120 mph. The whole team then returns for a demonstration performance.

The line-up also includes many returning favorites, as well as some new entries:

John Klatt Airshows and Jack Link’s Beef Jerky teamed up to create a one of a kind plane, the Screamin Sasquatch, which is powered by two different engines. The plane style is a Jet Waco, first introduced by Jimmy Franklin in 1999, and is now one-of-a-kind on the air show circuit.

A perennial favorite at Jones Beach is Sean Tucker, who performs impossible feats in a specially built, one-of-a-kind, most high-performance aerobatic aircraft in the world, the Oracle Bi-Plane. It is a fire-breathing monster with over 400 horsepower, weighs just over 1200 pounds, has a revolutionary set of wings that use 8 ailerons instead of 4, and responds to the slightest pressure on the control stick even at 300 mph. Sean flies the aircraft backwards, straight-down, tail-first at more than 100 mph. More than half of Sean’s maneuvers are original and have never been duplicated by another aerobatic pilot.

A perennial favorite at the Bethpage Air show at Jones Beach is Sean Tucker, who performs impossible feats in a specially built, one-of-a-kind, most high-performance aerobatic aircraft in the world, the Oracle Bi-Plane © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

David Windmiller, Long Island’s hometown hero (from Melville), thrills spectators in his Zivko Edge 540 aircraft, built especially for aerobatics, with seemingly impossible feats at speeds of up to 220 mph that keep his peers and his fans in awe.

Matt Chapman, flying for Embry Riddle, performs maneuvers in which he experiences as much as 9 positive Gs and 6 negative Gs. His Eagle 180 plane has parts from 3 countries. He’s also an American Airlines captain.

SUNY Farmingdale Aerospace’s Flying Rams will fly seven of their 22 college-owned aircraft in a fly-by piloted by their top academic Professional Pilot performers. The State University of New York (SUNY) Flight Center is a crown jewel of the SUNY system.

106th Air National Guard Rescue Wing deploys worldwide to provide combat search and rescue coverage for U.S. and allied forces. They are a World-Class Team of diverse, adaptable personnel recovery focused war fighters with a mission to provide worldwide Personnel Recovery, Combat Search and Rescue Capability, Expeditionary Combat Support, and Civil Search and Rescue Support to Federal and State authorities. The 106^th Air National Guard Rescue Wing provides Personnel Recovery to the state of New York.

The Bayport Aerodrome Society, formed in 1972 is composed of aviation professionals, recreational pilots, and people interested in preserving aviation history. As a “living museum” they have a variety of antique aircraft flying on the field including Bi-Planes, Champs, and Cubs.

The Warrior Flight Team is a 501(c)(3) charity comprised of a team of all volunteers and assets assembled to bring rewarding career opportunities to those who have served their country and sacrificed tremendously in the process, yet still strive to give even more of themselves.

Hint: Head down to Jones Beach on Friday May 26th from noon to– 5 pm for a full practice. It’s a great chance to catch the show with fewer crowds. (In 2016, there was near record attendance of 405,012 for the two days and some years, they have shut down the highways when the park reached capacity.)

The Bethpage Air Show takes place at Jones Beach State Park, Wantagh, NY; $10 vehicle use fee.

More information at bethpageairshow.com.

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Tags:air show, air shows, Bethpage Air Show, Bethpage Air Show at Jones BEach Long Island, Bethpage Memorial Day Air Show at Jones Beach, Jones Beach Air Show, Jones Beach State Park, Long Island air show, Memorial Day air show, Memorial Day weekend events, special events
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Jones Beach State Park Gets $36 Million in Improvements to Enhance Visitor Experience – Just in Time for Holiday Spectaculars

May 26, 2016

The US Navy Blue Angels return to the Memorial Day Weekend Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach State Park. New York State is making $36 million in improvements to the park, one of the world’s best beaches, to enhance the visitor experience © 2016 Karen Rubin/news-photos-features.com

Jones Beach State Park, one of the finest beaches in the entire world, is set for $36 million in improvements, and the first of the improvements will be on view during the Memorial Day Weekend Bethpage Air Show as well as Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the improvements, including new Taste NY vendors, to enhance the visitor experience at Jones Beach State Park. In addition to the improvement projects, the Governor also announced a new prototype mobile app to assist visitors with parking as well as the return of the annual Memorial Day weekend Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach, Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular and the I LOVE NY Tourism Pod. The improvements and events are part of Governor Cuomo’s $65 million commitment to restore the park’s historic grandeur, attract new visitors and create new recreational facilities.

Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach
Kicking off every Memorial Day Weekend, the Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach attracts thousands of visitors to Long Island beaches to celebrate the beginning of summer, and shine a light on military families as well as honoring those who serve our country. This year’s show features the United States Navy Blue Angels, the F-35 Lightening II fighter, the Golden Knights U.S. Army parachute team, the Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds, and many other world-class military and civilian performers.
The Show takes place Saturday, May 28 and Sunday May 29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. For more information, visit here.

Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular
The July 4 Fireworks Spectacular, a Long Island patriotic tradition, will return to Jones Beach State Park this summer for the second year in a row. The 30-minute fireworks display, sponsored by Astoria Bank and performed by Garden State Fireworks, will begin at 9:30 p.m.

The Astoria Bank July 4 Fireworks Spectacular has traditionally drawn an average of more than 100,000 spectators in prior years, and is included in the regular price of park admission.

This year’s program, with lead sponsorship by Astoria Bank, is supported by the Natural Heritage Trust, Foundation for Long Island State Parks Inc., Captree Boatman’s Association, Newsday, Connoisseur Media Long Island and J & B Restaurant Partners.

Prototype Jones Beach Parking Mobile App
New York State has developed a prototype for a parking app that will make it easier for people to find parking at Jones Beach. Visitors can go here on their smartphone and find parking availability for each lot updated in real-time. Additionally, the New York State Department of Transportation is working to display those parking updates on electronic signs on the Southern State Parkway and other highways leading to Jones Beach. Parking availability will also be available on Twitter at @JonesBchUpdates.

Field 6 Concession Building
Last year, State Parks completed a $2.3 million renovation of the deteriorated bathroom and dining areas of the Field 6 Concession Building, which serves one of the most popular beach areas in the park. The improvements to 1948 structure allow for booths and tables to be placed in the concession area during the off-season, creating a diner-like experience for many patrons who visit year-round.

Taste NY Café and Taste NY Bar
The Café in the West Bathhouse will be one of the busiest Taste NY locations in the state, with more than 6 million people visiting Jones Beach each year. It will feature products from more than 30 different food and beverage producers located in nearly every region of New York, including Long Island. For a complete list of producers click here.

The Taste NY Café will give visitors the opportunity to enjoy everything from local seafood and hot sandwiches to bakery items and craft beverages. For visitors on the move, it will also offer grab-and-go options such as salads, chips, drinks, and more. The Taste NY Café is the latest addition to a growing number of Taste NY locations across the state. Taste NY products are featured at more than two dozen rest areas and travel plazas along the New York State Thruway, as well as at stores, cafés, and concession stands. Additional locations are expected to open later this year.

Additionally, Taste NY has partnered with State Parks and the premier live entertainment company, Live Nation, to promote the state’s growing craft beverage industry at Nikon at Jones Beach Theater which is operated by Live Nation. The partnership features the launch of a new Taste NY Bar, which will offer a rotation of New York wine, beer, spirits and cider selections to the approximately 350,000 annual visitors of the outdoor amphitheater. The Taste NY Bar will be operational for more than two dozen events this season. It will also offer New York snacks and food. For a list of participating producers click here.

Taste NY is an initiative launched by Governor Cuomo in 2013 to promote New York’s food and beverage industries. It is overseen by the Department of Agriculture and Markets and has created opportunities for local producers to showcase their goods at large public events, such as the Great New York State Fair. The program has also opened stores at Thruway rest stops along the state’s highways and in transportation hubs, enabling travelers to buy New York State’s homegrown and homemade products. Approximately 1,100 local companies have participated in these opportunities, further linking their products and the state’s growing food and beverage market to consumers from across the globe. For more information about Taste NY, visit www.taste.ny.gov. Connect with Taste NY through Facebook, Twitter,Instagram and Pinterest.

The $36 million in improvements also include:

Restoration of the West Bathhouse
The West Bathhouse, built in 1931, underwent a $16 million project to restore interior space and reestablish the open, airy connection between the pool and boardwalk that was part of the original design. The work included reopening the central bays in the West Bathhouse South Building in order to reconnect the water-to-water view and circulation from the pools to the beach. Concession spaces, including a new Taste NY Café, which will serve fresh, New York-made food and beverages, were reoriented to their historic north-south axis to allow easier access through the building and enliven the central core. New kitchens were installed to provide a wider array of menu options at the unique concession areas. It will be operated by the newly selected concessionaire, Centerplate.

The renovations to the West Bathhouse also include the addition of a new retail space and the historic vaulted ceiling that had been covered over by drop ceiling tiles was exposed. The interior improvements build on work completed last year to preserve and improve the Art Deco exterior of the bathhouse, including installing windows to match its original appearance, replacing the pool deck, and repairing the pool filtration system.

The final phase of the West Bathhouse project will be to restore and reactivate the stately second-floor Marine Dining Room and adjoining outdoor terraces to their original 1930s character, providing rentable space for catered weddings, reunions, proms and other events. The Marine Dining Room is expected to open for events by early spring 2017.

Improvements to the East and Central Malls
Construction will begin this year on a $14 million new green, climate resilient Jones Beach Marketplace on the East Mall. The market will offer fresh prepared foods, featuring Taste NY products and will be operated by Centerplate. The market building will also house a commissary for the preparation of food for the majority of Jones Beach food concessions, new bathrooms, and offices and retail for the new East Mall Adventure Course.

The 15,837 square foot building will be elevated over 2 feet above the base flood elevation which is required by FEMA to prevent the marketplace from being damaged in future storms. Major utilities will be located inside the elevated building or up on the roof and the building itself will be located further back from the original structure so that it is kept outside of the Coastal Erosion Hazard Area. Access to the building will be from elevated terraced boardwalks starting at the height of the existing boardwalk to the floor elevation of the new building.

The design of the new terraces will include hurricane straps to help the structure survive future storm surges. The windows and doors on the exterior will be constructed using impact resistant glass. The new marketplace building will restore the Beaux Arts symmetrical plan of the Central Mall, the gateway to Jones Beach. Since 2004, the East Mall site has remained vacant when building was demolished due to structural failure. Construction is expected to be complete for the 2018 season.

View renderings of the completed market building here and here.

Other improvements taking place this year include:

The $2.7 million reconstruction of the East Mall Games Area will provide patrons with shaded picnic areas, new games including bocce ball and shuffle board courts, table tennis, and plantings. This area is to open to patrons in the fall 2016. View rendering here.
· The East Mall Adventure Course, is a $1.5 million facility that will be constructed by park concessionaire Wildplay, and will include a series of ropes courses, a 40’ zip line, pathways, and small play areas in a naturalized landscape. It is anticipated to be open by summer 2017.

· The Central Mall will undergo a $1.5 million restoration including paving, new plantings, replacement of historic signage and lighting, and reconstruction of the original fountain. It is anticipated to be completed by summer 2017.

Additional efforts to improve the visitor experience at Jones Beach State Park include:

I LOVE NY Tourism Pod
The I Love NY Pod will once again be appearing at events throughout New York State offering a one-of-a-kind experience to learn more about New York State’s 11 vacation regions. This highly interactive mobile Pod includes a green screen where your picture can be imposed on visuals from around the state, pop quizzes about the state’s world-renowned destinations, and itineraries that can be personalized and e-mailed to you right from the Pod. I Love NY ambassadors are also available to help answer questions and find great places visit.

The I LOVE NY Tourism Pod will appear at the following locations:

Memorial Day Weekend: Jones Beach Air Show, Long Island
· June 3 – 5: Fairport Canal Days, Finger Lakes
· June 10 – 13: Mysteryland, Catskills
· June 18: Adventures NYC, New York City
· July 2 – 3: Syracuse Jazz Festival, Finger Lakes
· July 9 – 10: Taste of Buffalo, Greater Niagara
· October 1 – 2: Hudson Valley Garlic Festival, Hudson Valley

For more information on New York’s 11 vacation regions, visit www.iloveny.com.

“Today we are seeing the historic grandeur of Jones Beach as it was meant to be,” Governor Cuomo said. “The rebirth of Jones Beach is helping to grow our tourism industry while bringing jobs to Long Island communities, and I encourage everyone to visit one of most beautiful and celebrated seasides in New York State.”

World famous Jones Beach State Park, home of 6.5 miles of beautiful white-sand beach on the Atlantic Ocean, is made up of more than 2,400-acres of maritime environment on the south shore of Long Island and attracts more than 6 million visitors each year.

The park improvements and events reflect Governor Cuomo’s commitment to revitalizing the state park system and expanding access to outdoor recreation. The Governor’s NY Parks 2020 program is a multi-year commitment to leverage $900 million in private and public funding for State Parks from 2011 to 2020. The Governor’s 2016-17 Executive Budget allocates $90 million toward this initiative. In addition, this year the Governor announced the Connect Kids to Parks program, which provides free day-use park entry to fourth-grade students and their families, and creates a new transportation grant program to help students from underserved schools visit state parks and historic sites.

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