Gateway National Recreation Area, New York
Touch the warm bricks of a Civil War-era fort; watch scores of migrating hawks soar overhead on their way to Central America; examine a rare, delicate orchid; help volunteers restore vintage aircraft; or build a sandcastle, enjoy a picnic with family, and surf along a sandy beach. All of these opportunities—and more—are possible at Gateway National Recreation Area, in the shadow of Manhattan.
Created in 1972, Gateway is located in the outer New York-New Jersey Harbor, protecting more than 26,000 acres of land, and offering an array of recreational, cultural, and natural experiences. More than 330 species of birds and 71 species of butterflies live within the park or stopover at Gateway during their arduous seasonal migrations along the Atlantic coast. Gateway's buildings, landscapes, and archaeological sites offer great samples of America's coastal defenses from the Revolutionary War through the Cold War.
Despite these assets, a recent assessment by NPCA's Center for State of the Parks reveals that Gateway's natural and cultural resources are in poor condition. Read the report > >
Though much work is still needed to help Gateway realize its full potential, the natural, cultural, and recreational opportunities at the park are undeniable. This summer, park enthusiasts can play a role in defining the future of Gateway. NPCA has joined local partners to launch an international design competition, Envisioning Gateway, to help create a new vision for the park. Imagine the possibilities...vote on visionary, innovative, and compelling designs at www.npca.org/gateway.
Watch the Park Slideshow >>
This article is from the June 2007 issue of NPCA's Park Lines. Each month Park Lines takes you to a new park, highlights one of our campaigns, and keeps you informed about what the staff at NPCA are up to and how you can help. Read our latest issue and subscribe for your very own free copy.
