The Watch Hill marina at Fire Island National Seashore in New York will remain closed until 2018 as the park has extended its construction project there to ensure that the marina is more resilient during storms like Hurricane Sandy, which damaged the area in 2012.
The park expects the project to address substructure vulnerabilities will be completed by the end of the year.
“The Watch Hill marina project was engineered to ensure the marina is safe and can withstand storms for years to come,” said Jim Dunphy, facility manager at Fire Island National Seashore. “With more time, unforeseen and necessary repairs to the substructure can be made so boaters and visitors can safely enjoy Watch Hill in the future.”
During construction, the marina is closed to ferry service and private boaters. The visitor center, bathrooms, lifeguarded beach, and tent campground remain closed until the marina reopens. Backcountry camping is accessible via Davis Park Ferry and points west.
Mr. Dunphy said the substructure repair schedule will include “supplementing girders and backfilling some areas of the bulkhead.” A new elevated electrical building has been constructed, and the existing conduit and conductors have been replaced. Upon completion of the substructure work, composite lumber decking and new pedestals will be installed on the marina boardwalks. Woodstock Construction LTD began work on the multimillion-dollar project in September 2016 to replace electrical and lighting systems, and the adjacent bulkhead and boardwalk.
Watch Hill is located on the western edge of the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness, directly across the Great South Bay from Patchogue on Long Island. The Watch Hill Marina opened in 1967 and has 182 slips with 120- and 208-volt service, which accommodate boats with a draft to 5 feet and 8- to 17-foot beam. Of the 182 slips, there are 23 which accommodate 15- to 18-foot beams and offer 208-volt service.
Since Hurricane Sandy struck in October 2012, five recovery projects have been completed in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration at Fire Island National Seashore. The Watch Hill Marina project is the sixth such project and is funded in part by FHWA and NPS. Funding for the project was secured through Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Lands and the NPS-obligated funds through the Hurricane Sandy Relief Supplemental Aid and recreation fees.
Stories about:
Story Categories:
A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
- Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
- Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
- Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
- North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
- Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
- Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
- Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
National parks and their natural resources belong to you. The National Parks Traveler works to ensure you know how these essential places are being cared for.
Sign Up For Our Weekly Newsletter
Unsubscribe at any time.
INN Member
The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.
Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.
Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.
You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.
