Hochul Cuts Ribbon On $100M Overhauled Jones Beach East Bathhouse

WANTAGH, NY — Jones Beach's East Bathhouse opened to the public for the first time since 2009 Friday, signaling the completion of a $100 million construction project at the iconic state park.

The governor's office said the construction "carefully preserved the East Bathhouse's historic character," while still finding room to add a 125-foot by 75-foot pool and a family sprayground and overhaul the North and South Bathhouse buildings.

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Those North and South Bathhouses, the governor's office said, will now house park offices, first aid, concessions, accessible bathrooms, changing areas and family restrooms.

"The landmark East Bathhouse has been transformed into a modern destination for New Yorkers to 'Get Offline, Get Outside' and experience the best in summer fun at Jones Beach State Park," Hochul said. "Offering a new and improved experience for all ages, which will draw new generations of visitors to the park — and help kids feel more at ease and safe in the water."

As part of the efforts to open the new bathhouse, Hochul's office said the new facility will offer a series of swimming programs, with youth swimming lessons beginning Wednesday, July 29 for children up to age 15. Those classes will be held from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., determined by participants' swimming skill level, while adult swimming lessons will take place on Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., for people 16 and up. The pool will be open weekdays through labor day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

In remarks delivered Friday, State Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages said the construction's completion would

"Jones Beach is part of the fabric of Long Island, and reopening the East Bathhouse gives families a new reason to enjoy it," Solages said. "The pool and sprayground will offer children a safe place to learn how to swim, while giving parents an affordable way to spend time together and cool off during the summer. I'm glad to see this historic space brought back to life for the public and thank Governor Hochul and New York State Parks for continuing to invest in safe, accessible recreation for Long Islanders."

The new facility is also at the center of a program Hochul's office says is "the largest investment in public swimming infrastructure since the New Deal," titled, "NY SWIMS."

That project, officials said, has allocated almost $260 million to 79 projects across New York to improve the state of the state's aquatic facilities.

"By bringing this initiative to Jones Beach, New York is ensuring that families from all socioeconomic backgrounds have access to budget-friendly, expert swimming instruction," Hochul's office said.

In a nod to recent celebrations in the state, officials also noted that the sprayground had been designed in New York Knicks colors, blue and orange.