Gateway National Recreation Area

Odds and Ends from Around the National Park System

A climbing death in Yosemite, a new recreation site at the Delaware Water Gap NRA, and a question on whether to force climbers to wear helmets are among the odds and ends that have recently crossed our computer screens.

Canoeists, Kayakers Invited To Explore Jamaica Bay at Gateway National Recreation Area

While the current heat wave blistering the East Coast shouldn't last much longer, mid-July is still a great time to go canoeing or kayaking at Gateway National Recreation Area. And on July 17 there will be an outing to explore the NRA's Jamaica Bay.

Bird Artworks Going on Display at Gateway National Recreation Area

Sometimes, paintings can be more striking than photographs. And if you enjoy bird paintings and live in the greater New York-New Jersey metropolitan area, or are visiting there, there's an exhibit of artworks at Gateway National Recreation Area that you shouldn't miss.

National Park Quiz 78: Harbors

Don’t harbor any illusions; this month’s quiz is no walk in the park. Answers are at the end. If we catch you peeking, we’ll make you write on the whiteboard 100 times: "During the 1950s, some scientists suggested that 'instant harbors' could be created with well-placed atomic bombs."

Fishing, Boating, Surfing, Permits Available for Gateway National Recreation Area Beginning Feb. 1

If you like to fish, paddle, surf, or drive an off-road vehicle around Gateway National Recreation Area, you can purchase your permits for such activities beginning Monday, February 1.

What Do You Say To a 65-Year-old Lifeguard At Gateway National Recreation Area? Thank You!

Can you imagine the look on the face of Gateway National Recreation Area Water Safety Coordinator Carl Martinez when he realized the man standing before him to be tested for a lifeguard position was 65 years old?

Funding Will Help Repair Historic Gun Batteries at Gateway National Recreation Area's Sandy Hook Unit

Congress has provided $800,000 for the National Park Service to have repairs and restoration done to the historic gun batteries in the Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area, according to U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone.

Ida Gives Many Atlantic Coast National Parks a Severe Beating

The remains of Tropical Storm Ida have inflicted some of the heaviest damage that Atlantic Coast beaches have seen in quite a few years. NPS units in the impacted area will have a major cleanup & fix up job on their hands.

What Now Becomes Of Fort Hancock At Gateway National Recreation Area?

A final decision by the National Park Service that ends an agreement to allow commercialization of historic military buildings at Gateway National Recreation Area leaves one question dangling: What now becomes of the steadily deteriorating buildings?

Gateway National Recreation Area Working on General Management Plan; Where Does Commercialism Fit?

While many businesses do annual planning meetings to move their vision forward, national parks typically operate under General Management Plans that remain in effect for ten, 20, or more years. Which makes it particularly important for park goers to both follow this process and provide input. If you frequent Gateway National Recreation Area in the greater New York-New Jersey metropolitan area, now is your chance to weigh in.

Wildlife on the Move: Migrations in the National Parks

As the weather cools and available daylight decreases, many wild animals become restless. They know winter is on the way and they could face months of freezing temperatures and food shortages.

Marine Sciences Group Renovating Historic Fort Hancock Building at Gateway National Recreation Area for HQ

Controversy was ignited when the National Park Service tendered a six-decades-long contract to a developer who wanted to turn rundown historic buildings at Gateway National Recreation Area into restaurants, B&Bs, and lecture halls. The same can't be said about a marine sciences group's renovations to another historic building at Gateway.

Private Development of Fort Hancock in Gateway National Recreation Area Collapses for Lack of Financing

In a turn of events that raises questions about the National Park Service's ability to conduct due diligence, the agency has declared null and void a 60-year-lease given to a developer eight years ago for three dozen historic buildings at Fort Hancock in Gateway National Recreation Area. This decision comes in the wake of six extensions given the developer to prove he had the necessary financing in place to handle the project.

Gateway National Recreation Area Seeks Solutions to Weekend Traffic Snarls at Sandy Hook

The Sandy Hook Unit at Gateway National Recreation Area has seen major weekend traffic snarls this summer. Road construction just outside the park is partly to blame, and park and state officials are making some changes. They offer these tips for visitors.

Cardboard Boats Sail and Sink for the Last Time at Gateway

Nine sank, one survived, and a good time was had by all. But alas, the 11th regatta was the last. Will walking on water be next?

Developer Outlines Financing To Transform Fort Hancock at Gateway National Recreation Area

A controversial proposal to restore rundown historic buildings at Gateway National Recreation Area for commercial purposes seems to be moving forward with a financing package, according to the NRA's superintendent.

Congressman Seeks Stimulus Funds For Restoration Work at Gateway National Recreation Area

A congressman from New Jersey hopes he can convince the National Park Service to spend some of its economic stimulus funds on historic restoration work at Fort Hancock in Gateway National Recreation Area.

Appellate Court Upholds Lower Court Ruling on Development at Gateway National Recreation Area

A federal appellate court in New Jersey has upheld a lower court's finding that the National Park Service was within its rights to lease nearly three dozen historic buildings at Gateway National Recreation Area to a commercial developer.

Lightning Strike Kills Park Visitor at a Sandy Hook Beach in Gateway National Recreation Area

A deadly lightning strike killed one visitor and injured two others Sunday afternoon on a Sandy Hook beach in Gateway National Recreation Area. The lightning hazard is worse than most people think, but putting lightning safety precautions into practice dramatically lowers the risk of injury and death.

National Park Quiz 4: Beaches

Swimsuit season is nearly here. Are you ready for the beach? There are loads of beaches in the national parks -- even a few “clothing optional” ones for people who don’t like tan lines. This week's quiz will assess your knowledge of all kinds of beaches in the national parks. Answers are at the end. No peeking.

National Park Quiz 3: Bridges

Bridges are among the most favored of all human structures. They serve us well, make a bold visual statement, and open the door to a storehouse of memories. Who doesn’t admire the elegant lines of a suspension bridge? Who can look at a covered bridge without thinking of a time when life was simpler and slower and friendlier? This week's quiz will find out how much you know about the bridges and bridge-related things in our national parks. Answers are at the end. No peeking.

National Park Quiz 2: Straddlers

Folks had fun with the little quiz we published last week, so we’ve decided to publish a national park system quiz in Traveler every week. Most will be themed. The first one was about centers, and this one is about straddlers. Straddlers are parks that straddle state lines, rivers, mountain ranges, or anything else a park can straddle. There's an extra credit question that's a little off the wall. Answers are at the end. Don’t peek.

Exploring New York City's National Parks

East Coast viewers get a chance this holiday weekend to update themselves with national parks and monuments in the greater metropolitan area of New York City via public television station WNET, Channel 13.

This Just In : Fort Hancock STILL a Mess

The saga at Fort Hancock continues. A judge has ruled the 60 year lease given to a developer by the NPS, to manage the dilapidated old public buildings commercially, has not broken any rules. The developer still hasn't come up with the money yet, but he's got 90 more days to prove that he can get it (or else, perhaps, get another extension).

Like No Other Park in the System (I Hope)

Can you imagine a national park where you'd be able to learn about the life of Walt Disney? A park where you can pose with Yoda? A park where you can set up your high-tech business next to others like Alexa, and Discovery Mining? And a park where can you relax with a round of golf? Imagine no more, because this park unit actually exists and is managed by the NPS.

Sandy Hook: A Good Place to Escape Manhattan's Heat

Peel through the controversy surrounding the Sandy Hook area of Gateway National Recreation Area and you'll find a seaside setting perfect for fleeing Gotham's high summer heat and humidity.

Gateway NRA Officials Seem to Run Counter to Other Park Managers

How unusual is the decision by Gateway National Recreation Area officials to constantly give a developer more time to come up with the financing to restore and commercialize buildings at Fort Hancock? Apparently pretty unusual according to a survey by the Asbury Park Press.

Congressman Calls for Investigation Into Fort Hancock Deal

A congressman from New Jersey, calling the Park Service's handling of a lease of three dozen historic buildings at Fort Hancock a "debacle," wants a federal investigation into the matter. Representative Frank Pallone called for the investigation Monday in a letter to the Interior Department's Inspector General.

Why Is The Park Service Bending Over Backwards For Developer?

National Park Service Director Mary Bomar months ago promised that the agency would improve its business savvy. And yet, her agency seems to be ignoring sound business judgment in its blind desire to see a developer who lacks deep pockets turn a portion of Gateway National Recreation Area into a commercial district.

Cast Your Vote for the Future of Gateway National Recreation Area

Should a unit of the national park system, once created, be redesigned? When the unit in question is Gateway National Recreation Area, the folks at the National Park Conservation Association think so. And they're asking for your input on how that makeover should be handled.
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