ORCHARD BEACH, Bronx (WABC) — A special celebration was held on Wednesday for the reopening of the landmarked Orchard Beach Pavilion.<\/p>\n
A $114 million reconstruction project restored the building’s original architecture, improved accessibility and upgraded concession areas at what many call the “Bronx Riviera.”<\/p>\n
“No longer can the Bronx be treated as an afterthought in a city of five boroughs,” said Mayor Zohran Mamdani. “As beach season approaches, Bronxites and New Yorkers from across this city will once again be able to gather at the Bronx’s only public beach in a space worthy of this community and its history.”<\/p>\n
Known for its striking columns, limestone cladding, bright blue tiles and terrazzo flooring, the pavilion was designated a landmark by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission in 2006.<\/p>\n
“We have restored the columns, replaced the roofing, added new light fixtures, new ADA accessible ramps, upgraded the HVAC systems to make the building more energy efficient,” said NYCEDC Chief Infrastructure Officer Josh Kraus.<\/p>\n
The pavilion was built in 1936 and has been fully closed since 2009 — the victim of relentless wear and tear from Mother Nature and Father Time.<\/p>\n
New ramps make the pavilion and the beach more accessible and there’s a shiny, new and modern cafe area. Sixteen new concession spaces are expected to open by the Fourth of July.<\/p>\n
“We’re looking to bring in Bronx local brands straight in, hiring local and looking for some of the greatest brands we have in the neighborhood,” said concessions General Manager John Denizard.<\/p>\n
For people in the Bronx, Orchard Beach and its mile-long stretch of sand is the destination spot for New Yorkers who won’t be traveling across the country or to the Mediterranean or the Hamptons.<\/p>\n
To see the city invest more than $100 million in their summer vacation home is something that speaks volumes.<\/p>\n
“To deliver this piece of the public realm to them, to deliver the pavilion back to them, it holds more significance truly because we know what’s at stake here,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura.<\/p>\n
Orchard Beach is the Bronx’s only public beach and stretches 1.1 miles along Pelham Bay Park.<\/p>\n
New York City public beaches officially open for the season on Saturday.<\/p>\n
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