The Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, announced the inauguration of the historic East Bathhouse of Jones Beach State Park (East Bathhouse), which completes the last pending piece of the vision of renovation of this emblematic state park, the main one on Long Island.
Closed to the public since 2009, the facility, completely restored through a $100 million investment, has been reinvented as a safe and highly affordable space for families to enjoy the summer.
As a flagship project of Governor Hochul’s New York State Investment to Expand Swimming Access (NY SWIMS) initiative, the East Bath House now features a new learn-to-swim pool and an interactive family-friendly water play area.
These new and expanded facilities offer all families an affordable way to cool off during the summer while learning essential swimming skills in a safe and welcoming environment.
“The iconic East Bathhouse has been transformed into a modern destination where New Yorkers can unplug from screens, enjoy the outdoors and experience the best of summer at Jones Beach State Park,” said Governor Hochul.
“It offers a renewed experience for people of all ages, which will attract new generations of visitors to the park and help children feel safer and more confident in the water.”
It should be noted that then-Governor Franklin Delano Roosevelt dedicated Jones Beach State Park on August 4, 1929, in the East Bath House, the first major building constructed in the park. Designed with a distinctive combination of Art Deco and Beaux-Arts architectural styles, the East Bathhouse is part of the Jones Beach Historic District and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The $100 million construction project carefully preserved the historic character while incorporating modern, climate-resilient facilities in harmony with the park’s iconic 1920s architecture, including:
– A 125-by-75-foot in-ground entry pool, designed to teach swimming and help children develop confidence and water safety skills in a controlled, safe environment.
– A family-friendly water play area with custom elements inspired by Jones Beach’s maritime heritage, including the park’s iconic seahorse, as well as whales, dolphins and classic Jones Beach boats.
– The restoration and rehabilitation of the historic north and south bathhouse buildings, which will house park offices, a first aid station, concessions, accessible public restrooms, locker rooms and family restrooms with three adult locker rooms.
– The preservation of the bathhouse’s original Barbizon bricks, Ohio sandstone, brass elements, woodwork and decorative mosaics, as well as the reconstruction of historic architectural elements that had been lost due to previous renovations and deterioration.
The NY SWIMS State Initiative
Importantly, NY SWIMS represents the largest investment in public swimming infrastructure since the New Deal, investing nearly $260 million in 79 projects, including 3 projects on Long Island totaling $10.8 million, to provide safe, high-quality and affordable aquatic facilities to communities across New York.
By bringing this initiative to Jones Beach, the New York government is ensuring that families of all socioeconomic levels have access to swim lessons taught by expert instructors at an affordable cost.
To promote water safety and provide children with essential skills, the facility will offer a full program of swimming activities following the official opening:
– Children’s swimming classes began on July 29 for participants from babies to 15-year-olds. Times, between 8 am and 10 am, will be determined according to the swimming skill level of each participant.
– Adult swim classes will be offered on Thursdays, from 7 pm to 7:45 pm, for participants 16 years and older.
– Until Labor Day, the pool will operate Monday through Friday from 10 am to 6 pm and on weekends and holidays from 9 am to 7 pm.
For more information about the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and to learn about any of these recreational areas, visitParks.ny.gov or call (518) 474-0456.
