News Release

Gateway National Recreation Area Provides Recreational Access for the Staten Island Unit for Memorial Day Weekend

Date: May 21, 2020
Contact: Brenda Ling, 347-216-0395

Staten Island, N.Y. – Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Gateway National Recreation Area will continue to provide limited recreational access and services for the Staten Island Unit for the Memorial Day weekend. The National Park Service (NPS) is working service wide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

With public health in mind, please note the following for the Memorial Day weekend.

 Great Kills Park:
 

• Bathroom facilities and limited port-a-johns will be available.
• The Multiple Use Path is accessible for recreational use, such as biking, walking, and running.
• The Boat Launch is available for use. Parking in the boat launch parking area is by permit only.
• Playground is temporarily closed.
• 2019 Fishing Permits will be honored in 2020 season.

Great Kills Park Beach:
Great Kills Park Beach is currently closed to swimming and bathing. Lifeguards will not be on duty for Memorial Day weekend. The beach is accessible for passive recreational activities, such as walking and running.

• Beach Rules prohibit the following:
  • • Alcohol;
    • Smoking;
    • Tents or shelters;
    • Barbecuing and open fires;
    • Group gatherings; Group picnics;
    • Sports;
    • Glass containers; and
    • Coolers that are more than 24 quarts in size per group.

Miller Field:

• Miller Field Ranger Station is temporarily closed.
• Miller Field Group Picnic Area is temporarily closed.
• Special Use Permits for the Miller Field Picnic Area are not being issued until further notice.
• Bathroom facilities are currently unavailable.
• Sports fields and courts are temporarily closed and are not available for group play.
• Playground is temporarily closed.
• The Miller Field Community Garden is temporarily closed. Permits for the Miller Field Community Garden are not being issued until further notice.

Fort Wadsworth:
The Overlook is available for relaxation and views of New York Harbor and Battery Weed. Fort Wadsworth is accessible for passive recreation, including biking and walking throughout the site.

• Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center is temporarily closed, and historic tours and programs are temporarily suspended.
• Campground is temporarily closed until further notice.
• Bathroom facilities are currently unavailable.
• Sports fields and courts are temporarily closed and are not available for group play.
• Playground is temporarily closed.

Park rules and regulations remain in effect for the Staten Island Unit. Visitors are encouraged to follow social distancing guidelines.

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Gateway, our operational approach will be to continue to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance and will be regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers. 

While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19, and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health. 
Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website www.nps.gov/gate and social media channels (@GatewayNPS). Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus

About Gateway National Recreation Area

Gateway is a large diverse urban park with 27,000 acres spanning Sandy Hook in N.J. and Jamaica Bay and Staten Island in N.Y. It offers green spaces, beaches, wildlife and outdoor recreation, all alongside historic structures and cultural landscapes. It is the 4^th most visited National Park Service unit with more than 9.2 million annual visitors. For more information about Gateway, visit www.nps.gov/gate.