Jones Beach State Park, most renowned of all Long Island State Parks
derives its name from Major Thomas Jones who came to Long Island
in 1692, built, near Massapequa, the first brick house on Long
Island and eventually acquired a total of 6,000 acres. Apparently
he thought he also owned a part of what is now Jones Beach because
around the year of 1700 he established a whaling station on the
outer beach near the site of the present park. Jones died in 1713.
Jones Beach State Park opened to the public on August 4, 1929.
On that day Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt, foreigner Governor
Alfred E. Smith, and at that time Commission President Robert Moses,
were principal speakers.
Its success and popularity were immediately apparent. In
l930,the first full year of operation, a million and a half persons visited
the park. In July, 1931, the West Bathhouse with swimming and
diving pools opened. The Wantagh Causeway soon became overcrowded
and serious traffic delay occurred every Sunday. On November 3,
1931, the Town of Hempstead voted to convey to the State all of
Short Beach, the area between the Park and Jones Inlet, together
with a right of way for an additional causeway from the mainland,
near Freeport, to the Park. In 1933 Commissioners served on the
board of the Jones Beach State Park Authority that built,
maintained and operated the causeways to Jones Beach, some park
facilities that includes the Jones Beach Theater and the Southern
State Parkway in Nassau County.
Swimming has always been the top attraction. Few places offer facilities
for such fine surf bathing, stillwater bay bathing and swimming
pools with diving and wading pools. Thousands are also attracted
by the other facilities for healthful recreation. There are
basketball courts, deck tennis and shuffleboard courts, 18-hole
pitch and putt golf course, a miniature golf course, softball
diamonds, picnic areas, miles of surf fishing areas, fishing docks
and a boat basin, outdoor dancing and a two-mile long boardwalk.
In addition, special sports programs, Children's Jubilee Festival,
concerts and other outdoor entertainment are presented. The park
comprises2,413 acres with 6.5 miles of ocean beach frontage and a
half mile of bay frontage developed for stillwater bathing. There are
two bathhouses, refreshment stands, a restaurant, playgrounds,
barbecue and picnic areas, first-aid stations, ice-cream parlors,
beach shops and gift shops.
The original Jones Beach Marine Stadium was a temporary wooden structure
constructed in the early 1930's as a work relief project that had
to be razed in 1945 because it became unsafe. During its life span
of about ten years, the wooden stadium earned a reputation for the
finest in aquatic sports events and musical entertainment.
The new theater, constructed at the same point on Zachs Bay
asits predecessor, retained the basic brick design of a stage separated
from the spectators by water. Improvements included steel,
concrete and brick structure seating 8,200 persons, a104-foot wide
stage with a 76-foot revolving center and an underwater tunnel
leading from the shore to the stage, with underground elevators
for the transportation of supplies and stage scenery.
The Theater
The theater was reconstructed in 1991 and 1992 under contract
with promoter Ron Delsener, it is an outstanding facility that can
seat 11,200 persons. It has become one of the top rated concert
stadiums hosting world famous performers, along with upgraded
seating, restrooms & service stations.
The Tower
The Jones Beach tower, now a familiar Jones Beach State Park landmark,
was modeled on the campanile of St. Mark's Cathedral in Venice. It
is 200 feet high, made of brick and stone, and houses a 315,000
gallon water tank for storage of water from four deep wells, each
over 1,000 feet deep.
West End Area
The West End Area of the park features many undeveloped areas
that are home to a variety of migratory birds and natural plants.
It also provides wonderful surf fishing opportunities as well as
surfing by the jetty. The boat basin contains 76 slips that are
available free of charge for day visitors coming by boat.
Facilities and Services
Park comprises 2,413 acres
6-1/2 miles of ocean beach frontage, with a 1/2 mile of frontage
developed for still water bathing
Pitch putt golf course
Miniature golf course
Paddle tennis
Shuffle board courts
Basketball
Softball fields - permit only
Boardwalk Restaurant - full service restaurant
West Bathhouse Ice Cream Parlor
Refreshment stands
Central Mall Beach Shop
Park Operations
Park is open year-round, however, activities vary according to
the season. For more information about the park operating schedule
and special activities, call (516) 785-1600.
For group outing (picnic) or youth (example day camp) outing
applications, please call (516) 669-1000 ext. 223.
Directions
Thirty-three (33) miles, from Manhattan via Meadowbrook Parkway
South and Wantagh Parkway South to the park.
Jones Beach State Park
PO Box 1000
Wantagh, New York 11793
(516) 785-l6OO
