Now that we're well into summer, the Rockaways are seeing more and more visitors, and just in time, a new section of the boardwalk is open. NY1's Ruschell Boone filed the following report.
Getting to the beach was a real drag for some, but many who made the trek to Rockaway were not disappointed by the sun, the sand, the surf or a newly opened section of the boardwalk between Beach 97th and Beach 107th Street.
"They opened the other side yesterday afternoon," said one person in Rockaway. "Around 4:30 in the afternoon, everybody was clapping their hands. Very nice."
The boardwalk has been under construction since Hurricane Sandy, and while much of is still off limits, beachgoers can enjoy a mile-long stretch between Beach 86th and Beach 107th street. The area between 86 to 96 street was completed in time for the beginning of this beach season.
"It's nice," said one person in Rockaway. "Somewhere for us to come and cool off from the house, come out with the girls."
"They have done such a beautiful job with this," said another. "It's incredible how much work is accomplished in the past year."
The new boardwalk and ramps have allowed greater access to the beach and the concession stands. The Department of Parks and Recreation has added more lifeguards to accomodate the crowds this summer.
Many of the business owners are loving it, too.
"It's awesome," . We really need it as a business.
The Department of Parks and Recreation says beachgoers will have a lot more boardwalk next year, when about five miles of it will be open to the public. The entire project is slated to be completed in May of 2017.