Gateway National Recreation Area

 

Osprey, painted by Gregory Lewis

The Gateway National Recreation Area is described as "Many Places, One Park." It spans 27,000 acres from Sandy Hook in New Jersey to Breezy Point in New York City. It is "gateway" from the ocean into New York Harbor. The National Park Service welcomes millions of visitors every year and the park offers green spaces and beaches alongside historic structures and cultural landscapes. 

Fort Wadsworth, Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, and Sandy Hook Visitor Centers are open Friday-Monday 10 am - 4 pm. 

• Sandy Hook Lighthouse tours are available Friday-Monday from 1 pm - 3:30 pm. Tours are first-come, first-serve.
• Fort Hancock History House (Building #1) is open Friday-Monday from 1 pm - 5 pm. 
• The Ryan Visitor Center at Floyd Bennett Field is open Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm.
• Fort Hancock Post Museum is open Saturday and Sunday from 12 pm - 5 pm.
• Hangar B at Floyd Bennett Field is open Sundays from 10 am - 1:30 pm.

by Jessica Dalrymple

For example, programs upcoming at the NJ Sandy Hook Unit:
Crustacean of the Day Program, Junior-Junior Ranger Programs: Ages 3 to 6
July 27 at Guardian Park 10 am - 11 am

This free program teaches young children about the habitats and history of Sandy Hook through fun, hands-on activities. Children will learn through hikes, walks, and demonstrations. Parents are required to accompany their children for the entire program. Space is limited please call (732) 872-5970 to make free reservations. 

Yoga on the Beach, Saturdays through Labor Day
Parking Lot D – North Chute 8 am – 9 am

Begin your Saturday with a peaceful, yet vigorous, traditional Vinyasa yoga practice on the beach. The practice is open to everyone and all levels, from beginners to advanced, and will focus on flowing through basic poses and maintaining poses with proper alignment. Please bring a large, sturdy beach blanket and wear light, comfortable workout attire. Hydration is also important, so please bring your own water (refillable bottles). 

For information on all the locations and things to do www.nps.gov/gate/

ABOUT THE ARTWORK SHOWN

"By the Sea," an exhibit of paintings by Gregory Lewis, is on display at the Fort Hancock Post Museum (Building 28) through Labor Day. Inspired by the magical light reflected from the ocean, painter Gregory Lewis finds Sandy Hook, a special place a place surrounded by water, “as if I’m sitting on a small island. As I paint in this special light, it transports me to a better place.” The Post Museum is open on weekends from 1 pm to 5 pm. There is no fee to visit the Fort Hancock area of Sandy Hook.

"New York City Natural, "an exhibit of paintings by Jessica Dalrymple, is on display at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center through Labor Day. Dalrymple’s artistic process begins by visiting parks in all five boroughs, especially those with areas of “wilderness”. She spends time hiking, sketching, photographing, collecting specimens, and consulting with naturalists, cartographers, and horticulturalists about the park’s natural history and wildlife. In her studio she combines all these things into Park Portraits. She uses a vertical format, inspired by Asian hanging scrolls, to present multiple perspectives. This technique balances photo realism and express strokes in a way that represents her experience.  The Visitor Center is open Friday-Monday from 10 am to 4 pm.