Seaside parking on the Gateway Nationwide Recreation Space at Sandy Hook will enhance for the primary time in 9 years, simply in time for the unofficial begin to summer season on the Memorial Day weekend.
It’s going to nonetheless be free to enter the park, which is run by the Nationwide Park Service, however parking on the seashore goes as much as $20 per day beginning Saturday, Could 29 and $100 per season. Season passes will go on sale Could 4 at recreation.gov and in individual in mid-Could.
Charges have elevated 4 occasions since 1983 when seashore parking charges have been first established at Gateway. That is the primary price enhance since 2012.
The park service says 80% of the parking price cash is put again into the park and helps pay for the rise in price for companies, resembling lifeguard safety and to enhance the situation of customer amenities.
“As visitation numbers proceed to rise, this price enhance will assist the park preserve the facilities that guests anticipate and deserve, resembling secure and clear seashores, restrooms, and bathe amenities,” the Park Service mentioned in a press release.
Charges have helped restore the restoration of the Sandy Hook lighthouse, enhancements to the docking facility,renovations to the Guardian Park restroom and growth of free public kayaking and canoeing packages. Future initiatives embrace elevated customer entry to the historic Mortar Battery, upgrading the Sandy Hook water remedy system and new avenue lights.
The Park Service mentioned that there are various issues that may be performed totally free at Sandy Hook together with Fort Hancock, the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, Guardian Park, and Horseshoe Cove. Interpretive packages, together with excursions, seining, and canoeing, are additionally free.
