The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Boardwalk and Beach, also known as the FDR Boardwalk or the South Beach Boardwalk, is a 2.5-mile (4.0 km) boardwalk located on the east shore of Staten Island in New York City. It stretches from Fort Wadsworth and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge to Miller Field, both part of the Gateway National Recreation Area. The boardwalk is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a variety of recreational activities and stunning views of the Lower New York Bay.
History
The Staten Island shorefront was once home to several amusement parks, but they had all closed by the 1930s. Construction on the boardwalk began in 1935 and was completed in 1937. Amusements continued to operate on the boardwalk until the late 1950s, when water pollution and other factors began to deter visitors. The boardwalk was restored in the late 1990s as part of a multi-million dollar project.
Features
The FDR Boardwalk is made of concrete and timber and features several pavilions, restrooms, and "comfort stations" along its length. A 200-foot-wide (61 m) boulevard, now known as Father Capodanno Boulevard, runs parallel to the boardwalk on the landward side. A protected bicycle lane also extends the length of the boardwalk.
The boardwalk encompasses two main beaches: South Beach to the north of Sea View Avenue and Midland Beach to the south. These beaches offer a range of recreational facilities, including baseball fields, handball courts, shuffleboard courts, bocce courts, volleyball courts, and a skate park. The Ocean Breeze Fishing Pier is also located on the boardwalk.
Attractions
In addition to the beaches and recreational facilities, the FDR Boardwalk is home to several other attractions, including the Capodanno Memorial, a granite monument dedicated to Father Vincent R. Capodanno, a local resident and Navy chaplain who was killed in the Vietnam War. The boardwalk also offers stunning views of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and the Brooklyn skyline.
How to Get There
The FDR Boardwalk is easily accessible by public transportation. Several bus routes serve the area, and the Staten Island Ferry terminal is located nearby. If you are driving, there is parking available at several locations along the boardwalk.
Additional Information
The FDR Boardwalk is open year-round, but the beaches are only open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Lifeguards are on duty during these times. The boardwalk is a great place to visit for a day of fun in the sun, whether you want to relax on the beach, go for a bike ride, or simply take in the stunning views.