Governor Hochul Announces $15 Million Project to Enhance Shoreline at Bayswater Point State Park in Queens

Project Protects Community Park From Erosion

Expands Recreational Access With New Boardwalk and Fishing Pier

Governor Hochul today announced construction will begin this spring on a $15 million project to enhance Bayswater Point State Park in Queens. The project will improve recreational access, strengthen long-term shoreline resilience and restore a mosaic of wildlife habitats across the 16-acre park on Jamaica Bay.

“This park restoration project enhances opportunities for Queens families to ‘Get Offline and Get Outside’ in Far Rockaway while advancing a more sustainable and resilient future for the community park’s shoreline,” Governor Hochul said. “With an innovative approach to bolster the shoreline, we’re protecting this special area from erosion and enhancing valuable habitat for future generations.”

The project will create approximately 2,000 linear feet of living shoreline, more than four acres of native plantings, to create sustainable and robust shoreline and restore five acres of tidal marsh habitat. Breakwaters, including eco-concrete tide pools, will be strategically placed offshore to reduce wave energy and combat future erosion.

Additional elements include:

• Constructing a new ADA accessible fishing pier and elevated boardwalk over sensitive habitat to improve public access
• Removing and management of invasive species
• Restoration of both low and high salt marsh ecosystems
• Removing deteriorated bulkhead remnants

New York State Parks Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser said, “This project addresses the critical need for shoreline restoration at Bayswater Point State Park. Thanks to Governor Hochul and our many partners, this investment will strengthen the park’s natural resources while creating new opportunities for the public to experience this scenic and peaceful coastal landscape.

The project is supported by a $9.7 million grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), $3.2 million from the Jamaica Bay Damages Mitigation Fund, and $1.6 million from the Environmental Protection Fund.

Bayswater Point State Park comprises over 16 acres at the tip of a peninsula jutting out into Mott Basin on the eastern shore of Jamaica Bay in Far Rockaway and nestled within a quiet residential community. The park’s terrain is varied and includes beach front, wetlands and woodlands. Passive recreation, such as hiking, fishing, bird watching, picnicking and nature appreciation are embraced by visitors to the park.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 86 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.