Jun 28, 2018
| For Immediate Release: 6/26/2018 | GOVERNOR ANDREW M. CUOMO |
GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES OPENING OF NEW JONES BEACH STATE PARK BOARDWALK CAFE
Return of Popular Café Revitalizes Busy Corner Vacant Since 2004
$65 Million Committed Through 2020 in Renewal of Long Island's Most-Visited State Park
NEW YORK – June 26, 2018 – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the $20 million Jones Beach Boardwalk Café is open for business, bringing back a popular dining option and renewed vitality to Central Mall at the heart of Jones Beach State Park. The revitalization of Long Island's most-visited state park is part of the Governor's NY Parks 2020 multi-year commitment of $900 million in private and public funding to modernize State Parks.
"The grand opening of the Boardwalk Café highlights New York's progress in restoring the historic vitality of Jones Beach State Park," Governor Cuomo said. "I encourage everyone to visit Jones Beach this summer and experience for themselves the transformation that has taken place at one of Long Island's true natural wonders."
The new 7,700-square-foot café, featuring an open and airy Market Hall dining concept and distinctive tensile roof, will bring back food and beverage to the Central Mall that has been absent since 2004, when the previous building was demolished due to structural failure. The café will be operated by Centerplate, a concessionaire offering hospitality services at the park. There will also be a Taste NY Grab and Go component to the Café with more than 20 New York-produced items.
The Boardwalk Café will:
- Anchor newly installed activities including the refurbished East Games Area and the new splash pad adjacent to the Central Mall and the adventure course to be constructed this summer;
- Offer outdoor shaded seating options, with commanding views of the ocean, beach and boardwalk;
- Withstand severe coastal storms and flooding with a reinforced design built on piles that elevates the main floor 20 feet above sea level; and
- Honor the park's heritage with brick, sandstone and limestone to match those materials utilized in the historic 1920/30s buildings in the park era, a large and historic photo of the Park in the interior, and restored symmetry of the Central Mall.
State Parks Commissioner Rose Harvey said, "The Boardwalk Café will be the place to relax and take in all the action along the boardwalk and beach. I'm grateful for Governor Cuomo's leadership in revitalizing the public spaces at Jones Beach and provide the very best recreation and tourism opportunities to residents and visitors all across New York."
Senator John Brooks said, "Investing in the Jones Beach State Park is a common sense way to help grow the local economy and revitalize our entire community. I commend the Governor for his efforts and I look forward to visiting the Central Mall and enjoying the renovated Boardwalk Cafe. I encourage Long Islanders, and all New Yorkers, to come to Jones Beach State Park this summer and enjoy all of the great activities, restaurants, and natural beauty this community has to offer."
Assemblyman David G. McDonough said, "I am pleased that Governor Cuomo has made the commitment to restore and revitalize Jones Beach State Park and the addition of the new Jones Beach Boardwalk Café will just add to this historic recreation spot of Long Island, making the Crown Jewel of Long Island, Jones Beach State Park, shine even brighter."
Town of Hempstead Supervisor Laura Gillen said, "The Boardwalk Café is an important part of our area's history that honors our community's past with its beautiful Art-deco designs, while also adapting to our present and future needs. We are grateful to Governor Cuomo for making this treasured building more resilient to withstand future storms and open in time for the busy July 4th weekend."
Assemblywoman Christine Pellegrino said, "Jones Beach is the crown jewel of the south shore of Long Island. No matter the season, locals and tourists come to Jones Beach for the boardwalk, ocean views, concerts, and sporting events. The restoration of the Boardwalk Cafe is a welcomed addition and I am grateful to the governor for the investment in this important project."
Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said, "The new Boardwalk Café is a wonderful step towards growing the vision for what Nassau County should look like in the future."
Since 2011, State Parks has committed $65 million through 2020 in projects to restore Jones Beach State Park's historic grandeur, attract new visitors and create new recreational facilities as part of a multi-year revitalization plan. Projects completed include the rehabilitation of the West Bathhouse and Field 6 Bathhouse, restoration of the historic park mosaics, new playgrounds and West Games Area and Zach's Bay, new gateway signage and boardwalk upgrades.
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CONTACT:
Phillip Novoa
Finn Partners
(646) 307-6330
Phillip.Novoa@finnpartners.com
Eric Scheffel
Empire State Development
(518) 292-5274
Eric.Scheffel@esd.ny.gov