Jones Beach State Park is home to over six miles of gorgeous white-sand beach on the Atlantic Ocean and encompasses a marine environment of 2,400 acres along the south shore of Long Island. In 2024, Jones Beach celebrated its 95th anniversary with a record-breaking attendance of 9.5 million visitors, making it one of the most popular recreational spots on the East Coast.
On May 23, 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the procurement of $100 million to invest in the last major piece of the beach’s historic infrastructure; a piece that has been untouched by any revitalization that has taken place over the past decade; the iconic Jones Beach East Bathhouse.
In addition to the announcement of the procurement to revitalize the East Bath House, Governor Hochul unveiled NY SWIMS – the New York Statewide Investment in More Swimming, the fourth proposal of her 2024 State of the State. Recognizing that drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4 and that climate change will increase extreme heat events, NY SWIMS will build out municipal pools in high-need areas, connect New Yorkers to the State’s rivers and lakes, deploy pools in urban environments, and invest in State parks and pools. It will also promote initiatives to help more New Yorkers swim safely by addressing the statewide lifeguard shortage, increasing swimming instruction, and increasing amenities at pools and beaches.
“As drownings in New York State reach record levels among young children, it’s clear that this is a public health issue,” said Gov. Hochul. “NY SWIMS is the largest statewide investment in swimming since the New Deal, and we are creating new ways to provide children and their families a safe space to learn how to swim.”
Through an infusion for the park system’s centennial, State Parks will convert the abandoned pool complex at the Jones Beach East Bath House into a destination spray park, introducing and incorporating a unique ‘Learn to Swim’ feature to help children and inexperienced swimmers stay safe in a smaller, controlled environment.
By the summer of 2026, the 1930 Jones Beach East Bathhouse will be redesigned and reimagined for present and future generations to enjoy. New York State Parks is directing the project, in collaboration with the Office of General Services, and construction is currently in progress.
The East Bathhouse was designed by architect Herbert Magoon in 1929. It was the first major building completed at Jones Beach and an important component of a formal architectural plan at Jones Beach inspired by Beaux Arts and Art Deco styling. Between 1967 and 1970, the building underwent major reconstruction and was drastically altered. The changes resulted in the disuse and closure of sections with spaces that were neglected and deteriorating. In 2009, the East Bathhouse was closed due to budget cuts.
The first segment of restoration included the abatement and demolition of the bygone era patio, pavilions, and picnic area, which is now complete. The next phas e involves converting the abandoned pool into a destination pool, which will include a unique ‘Learn-to-Swim’ feature to help youngsters and inexperienced swimmers build their skills and stay safe in a more controlled environment. Additionally, the new pool complex will be ADA accessible with a shallow entry zone that gradually slopes into the water, enabling a comfortable entry and exit into and out of the pool. The complex will also contain a separate, deeper area to assist in building swimmer confidence.
While the integrity of the bathhouse will be well-preserved, with all removed historic elements to be reinstalled, the historic main bathhouse will be revitalized with new bathrooms, changing rooms, and a concessions area. Additionally, several sustainability features have been incorporated into the building, including renewable energy sources, adaptive reuse, and water conservation.
NYS Park officials report that the project is on schedule with a planned reopening of the East Bathhouse in the summer of 2026.
