After Sitting Boarded Up for 50 Years, a N.Y.C. Landmark Is Reopening This Summer — But There’s a Catch

**Historic Jacob Riis Park Bathhouse Set for Grand Reopening After Major Renovation**

The much-anticipated reopening of the Jacob Riis Park Bathhouse in Queens, New York, is on the horizon, following an extensive three-year renovation costing $88 million. The historic site, renowned for its distinctive Byzantine and Moorish Art Deco architecture, will welcome visitors back this summer after being closed to the public since 1972.

This revitalised complex, covering an expansive 60,000 square feet, not only embraces public access but also introduces a private members’ club called The Rockaway Ocean Club. This exclusive facility will feature an ocean-view restaurant, private lounges, and a swimming pool accommodating 162 guests. Membership for access to this private club is set between £800 for local residents and approximately £2,600 for families residing outside the area.

According to Pierre Antoine Dourneau, the club’s chief operating officer, the aim is to create a family-friendly environment. Membership offerings will include various amenities such as lockers, beach setups, and recreational activities like bocce tournaments and craft sessions. Dourneau noted, “It’s catering to the people who five years ago were dancing in Montauk and now live in a townhouse in Brooklyn or Queens and want a place for their families.”

Historically, Jacob Riis Beach has been affectionately dubbed “The People’s Beach,” providing a welcoming refuge for the LGBTQ community. The bathhouse gained popularity shortly after its opening in 1932, serving as a beloved destination until its closure in 1972 due to maintenance challenges faced by city officials. Following its closure, the building was transferred to the National Park Service.

Ursula Damani, co-owner of The Rockaway Ocean Club, explained that the private club initiative aims to alleviate the overwhelming crowds that converge on the beach, especially during peak weekends when attendance can soar to 45,000 visitors. She highlighted the necessity for measures to manage the influx, stating, “There had to be some type of mechanism to provide a control for the population flow in and out of the space.”

However, not every local is pleased with the transformation. Residents have voiced concerns about the exclusive nature of the new club. Mary Farias, a 65-year-old user of Jacob Riis Park, expressed her disappointment, arguing that the park should remain accessible to all. “Jacob Riis Park has always been known as the People’s Beach, and it should remain a place that is accessible to everyone, not the base for a private club,” she emphasised. Farias believes the government should take responsibility for maintaining the facility to ensure it serves all visitors.

In addition to the members-only club, the renovation includes a variety of public-oriented improvements designed to enhance the overall visitor experience at the beach complex. These upgrades feature a reimagined boardwalk, which will host a selection of new establishments, including a juice bar, coffee shop, gelato outlet, pizzeria, dive bar, and convenience store, creating a vibrant atmosphere for all guests.

A spacious central courtyard is also part of the renovation plans, featuring new seating arrangements to encourage relaxation and enjoyment. The complexities of the bathhouse will house a boutique hotel comprising 28 rooms, aimed at attracting visitors looking to extend their beach getaways.

The interior courtyard areas and selected sections of the boardwalk are expected to be operational starting from the Fourth of July weekend, in anticipation of the busy summer season. The reopening promises a blend of nostalgia and modernity, marking a new chapter for one of New York’s cherished beach destinations.

As preparations finalise for this historic landmark’s reopening, the Jacob Riis Park Bathhouse stands poised to re-establish itself as a cultural and recreational hub on the Rockaway Peninsula, balancing tradition with contemporary needs. The coming months will reveal how the local community adapts to these changes, as they navigate the balance between public accessibility and private facilities.