As reported here on March 3, the reopening of Sandy Hook’s clothing-optional beach is scheduled for the Memorial Day weekend. But you needn’t wait until then to get a glimpse of Sandy Hook. The National Park Service is allowing the public back into the federal recreation area in two weeks and will begin running a limited number of programs on Sandy Hook’s history and ecology.
The Park Service has done a herculean job restoring portions of Sandy Hook following the devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy last October. For a while, it seemed as though the entire facility—including the clothing-optional Gunnison Beach—would be shut down for the entire 2013 beach season.
As the months went by, the situation improved, thanks to Park Service employees and the many volunteers who helped remove sand and debris. A 13-foot surge of water from the storm remade beaches; I have no word on how different Gunnison will look now. (Winter storms always reshape Gunnison, but Superstorm Sandy is something else entirely.)
Government contractors have excavated much of the sand from paved roads and parking lots. Military demotions experts had to be brought in to deal with two unexploded shells dating from the time when Sandy Hook was an Army gunnery range. The sewer system remains down; portable potties will be used in the meantime. However, the heavily damaged changing room at Gunnison apparently will be unusable for now.
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| Aerial view of Gunnison Beach in August 2011 |
Overall, Superstorm Sandy caused more than $30 million in damages to Sandy Hook, the local AtlanticvilleWeb site reported. The federal government has allocated $35 million for repairs and upgrades.
“The goal is to open more of the unit as the summer goes on,” Park Service spokewoman Daphne Yun told Atlanticville. “As of Memorial Day, parking lots B, G, I, J and K will be open. Throughout the summer, we will be working to open more lots and more beaches.”
As it stands, Atlanticville reported, Sandy Hook will accommodate about 2,500 cars, or 60 percent of its normal daily capacity of 4,500. Yun said she is unsure of possible transportation alternatives to the recreation area, since the unit’s ferry landing will not be repaired prior to the May 24 holiday weekend.
Along Route 36, signs posted north and south of Sandy Hook in Highlands and Long Branch will alert motorists if the park if the park is filled, Sea Bright Mayor Dina Long told RedBankGreen.com.
Some other work underway includes:
- More than $5 million is being spent by the U.S. Department of Transportation on trails, beaches, roads, boardwalks and parking lots. The storm undercut many trails, leaving chunks of pavement upturned and shattered.
- Infrastructure, including water, sewer and telecommunications, is being reinstalled.
- The sewage treatment plant, which was severely damaged, is being brought online with a new system that is more sustainable and environmentally friendly.
- Maintenance facilities are being relocated to prevent future storm damage.
If you’re itching for an early glimpse of Sandy Hook, the annual Beach Clean Sweep is scheduled for Saturday, April 27. The latest word is that the event is full. However, you may wish to check with Clean Ocean Action just in case. The event begins at Parking Lot B at 10 a.m. and ends at 1:30 p.m.
Sandy Hook itself reopens on Wednesday, May 1, with a gathering of Park Service staff, dignitaries and visitors. The time for that event has yet to be announced; I’ll try to keep you posted.
Most of the time, Gunnison denizens spend all of their time sunbathing and swimming nude. Now is a good opportunity to learn about other features of Sandy Hook with your pants on. The Park Service has scheduled these events:
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| The historic Sandy Hook Lighthouse |
- Lighthouse and Keepers Quarters. The Spermacetti Cove Visitors Center is closed indefinitely. The Visitors Center will be relocated to the Lighthouse Keeper’s Quarters in Fort Hancock. The 1883 Keepers Quarters offers exhibits on New Jersey lighthouses. The nearby Keeper’s Barn features a video on the history of the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, which is the oldest continually operating navigational light in the United States. Built in 1764 it stands 500 feet tall. Tours are on a first-come basis. The temporary Visitors Center office is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Lighthouse tours are daily from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.
- Nike Missile Site Tours. Volunteers will provide guided tours of the “top secret” Nike Missile Radar Site on Sandy Hook. Meet at Parking Lot L. The tours are Sunday, May 5; Saturday, May 11; and Sunday, May 19. Each tour is held from noon to 4 p.m.
- Secret Places of Sandy Hook. Visit some of the less-known places on Sandy Hook on Sunday, May 6, from 2 to 5 p.m. A ranger-led caravan will stop at historic sites. Wear walking shoes and bring flashlights. The program is free. Call 347-539-0876.
Horseshoe Crab - Student Education. This event on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 21 and 22, will enable middle-school students to experience hands-on marine environmental education and examine the causes and impact of Superstorm Sandy. For details visit Clean Ocean Action.
- Horseshoe Crab Walk. These ancient animals spawn at this time of year. The Park Service offers an evening walk at Plum Island on Sandy Hook to look for horseshoe crabs on Thursday, May 23, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wear waterproof footwear. The tour is free. Call 732-291-0055 for reservations.
And finally, on the Memorial Day weekend, the clothes come off and Gunnison Beach returns to normal, more or less. The Park Service will furnish portable potties but there will be no water service. Bring your own drinking water. Expect more visitors than usual. The closing of Fire Island to nudity (see March 4 posting) may cause an influx of more New Yorkers who are looking to acquire a full-body tan. On weekends, arrive extra early or come in late afternoon.
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