Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton said, “For generations, Jones Beach has been a destination for Nassau families — and the complete renovation and reimagining of the East Bathhouse adds new and exciting new dimensions to this regional gem. The members of the Minority Caucus applaud Governor Hochul’s commitment to our State parks, and as a former lifeguard and swim instructor, I especially appreciate the opportunities that are being created for children to learn how to enjoy the water safely from a young age.”
New York Water Safety Coalition Co-Founder Bobby Hazen said, “This is amazing news, NY needs its children and families to have accessibility to learn to swim facilities, Swim lessons have been proven to help reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88 percent. Thank you, Governor Hochul. Your NY SWIMS initiative will absolutely help save lives.”
Building and Construction Trades Council of Nassau & Suffolk Counties President Matthew Aracich said, “The completion of the historic East Bathhouse at Jones Beach is a tremendous achievement for Long Island and a testament to what can be accomplished when New York invests in its communities and its workforce. Our highly skilled union tradesmen and tradeswomen are proud to have helped restore this iconic facility, preserving its history while creating a modern, affordable destination where families can gather, children can learn life-saving swimming skills and future generations can enjoy one of our region’s greatest public treasures. We thank Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to investing in infrastructure that creates good union careers and strengthens our communities.”
Long Island Federation of Labor AFL-CIO President John Durso said, “Governor Hochul understands that when we invest in our parks, our infrastructure, and our workforce at the same time, everyone benefits. The East Bathhouse has been brought back to life by the hands of skilled union workers. Long Island families now have a beautiful, affordable place to learn to swim, cool off in the summer and create memories for years to come.”
About New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 86 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit the Parks website, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call (518) 474-0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.
About the New York State Office of General Services
For 65 years, the New York State Office of General Services (OGS) has proudly served as the operational engine of New York State. The agency provides the essential foundation for government to function seamlessly — managing and leasing real property, designing modern facilities, streamlining procurement, and stewarding world-class cultural assets. Through its commitment to efficiency, innovation, and environmental sustainability, OGS handles the complex logistics of government so that its partners can dedicate their full focus to what matters most: advancing their missions to serve the people of New York. Discover how OGS continues to support New York on the OGS website and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.