NYC Department of Parks and Recreation

Rockaway Beach
Open-Up

In December 2012, after extensive damage from Hurricane Sandy, Sage and Coombe was asked to design a series of raised platforms or “islands” at the elevation of the former boardwalk to allow access to and from the street and beach. Each island provided outdoor showers, shading from the summer sun, and access to concession facilities.

Three primary sites at Beach 86^th, 97^th, and 106^th Street were the project’s focus, with a secondary site at Beach 116^th Street. Spanning over 1.5 miles, Sage and Coombe sought to restore amenities and create a visual link between the sites without the benefit of a connecting boardwalk.

Awards

Award for Excellence in Design, Public Design Commission of the City of New York, Beach Access: The Rockaways, 2013

The surviving facilities were maintained at a raised elevation to minimize future damage, and the existing pile supports for the boardwalk were left exposed to stabilize the dunes. A pair of ramps were constructed to bring beachgoers to each island: one from the street side and one from the beach.

The beachside was also connected to the sand by a series of tiered platform steps, providing a theatrical setting for visitors to lounge and enjoy the vista.

Each surviving building was wrapped in a graphic with an overlaid area map of the Rockaways, providing a visual icon orienting the visitor along the length of the beachfront. Opened on Memorial Day 2013, the project has championed the strength of the Design Excellence initiative and, ultimately, the resilience of the City.