This is a beautiful tribute to those lost in the crash of American Airlines Flight 587 on September 12, 2001.
After visiting the memorial, I walked onto the boardwalk and it seemed to be in good physical shape. I turned right and went for a walk, finding cold water showers, bathroom facilities, and conveniently placed benches along the way. One thing that struck me immediately was how the housing developments were almost on top of the boardwalk, which is the most striking difference between Coney Island and Rockaway Beach. These hulking multi-storey buildings certainly do not add any aesthetic appeal to taking a walk along the boardwalk.
These large apartment buildings are very close to the boardwalk.
Returning to B 116th Street, I noticed a large restaurant adjacent to the boardwalk where all sorts of foods and refreshments were available. I walked in a eastward direction along the boardwalk, and still the encroachment of the buildings seemed to bother me more than anything else. The small shops, restaurants, and bars on the Coney Island boardwalk made for a much more amenable situation for a visitor.
The site where Playland once stood has apartment complexes and a strip mall.
The thing I was looking for as I made my way along the boardwalk was gone. The amusement park known as Playland (I didn't realize that it closed in 1985) had been replaced by hulking apartment complexes with beautiful water views. How lucky for them and how sad for those with memories of a simpler time.
As I made my way back toward the beach, I remembered the purpose of my visit: answering the best beach question. I walked down to the water and saw lifeguards on duty in both directions. The surf was clear and cold, and the sand as pristine as that on Coney Island. On this beautiful June weekday, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves on the sand and in the water.
Lifeguards are on duty overlooking the clean sands and water of Rockaway Beach.
When I thought about it honestly, Rockaway probably does have the better beach. First, there is more of it. Second, it seemed like the waves were bigger and stronger here, and then I discovered that Rockaway boasts the only "surfing beaches" within New York City limits (between B 67-69 Streets and between B 87-92 Streets).
Article comments
1 - John Lake
How nice to read a fine article about the beach at “Far Rockaway”! Many years ago I found myself, a young man then, stranded and broke in Manhattan. If I said I lived in a W. House near central park, who would believe me? Depressing it was. The poor girls sit in the lobby all day, only rising to climb the stairs with this or that (or those) strange and hungery man or men.
Being depressed, and wanting mostly to get home to Illinois, a biker without a bike situation, I told myself I’d see how the summer day went, and based on that make plans for the future.
I took the subway, and out to the end of the line at Rockaway.
At that time the boardwalk was accompanied by two-story wooden buildings, with arcades, cotton candy, music, and the like. The beach was fine. I could just see the amusement park in the far distance. The Ferris wheel remains in my mind.
I always walk. I started walking along the Ocean, and kept going for the longest time. I walked and walked. Eventually, in my cut-off Levi shorts and raggedy tee-shirt I came to a dilapidated fence of wire. Curious as I am, I clamored over that fence, and kept walking. Naked People!! I was a young man, with the usual fire in my proverbial loins, and had encountered naked people. Many of them were girls!
I walked up the beach and sat on the sand. I was perhaps 5 feet from a young girl, about 21 years, but looking even younger, and her teenaged boy friend -- sans attire!
I wonder now if the Nude Section, upon which I had stumbled is still in use. I made my decisions based on one of the most memorable days in my life, and eventually I even made it home.
The cab driver when I left called it the “Nudey Beach”.
2 - Victor Lana
Really great story, John.
I do recall that beach being there years ago. I do not know if it is still around. Probably not if you judge from what they've done around the city, even to Times Square.
Thanks for the comment!
3 - joey boots
b116th is by far one of the worst blocks. most storefronts are closed, the hotels have been turned into SRO's for the city's worst residents. derelicts loiter the whole block aggressively begging for money day and nite. very bad beware