Manhattan is getting the Florida treatment with the debut of two new beaches, one of which will be open this summer.
Serving as Manhattan’s first beach, the 14,000-foot stretch of sand has been in the works for three years and will run alongside the Hudson River, sitting on five acres of a public park resting on the Gansevoort Peninsula. Kayaking is encouraged with a launch readily available. Beachgoers are also urged to take in the views with a picnic or yoga class within the lounge area. However, anything having to do with swimming or wading in the water is strictly prohibited due to the fluctuating sanitation of the Hudson River.
“Many days, the water is actually very clean, but on the days when it is not clean, and you can’t tell by just looking at it, they could indeed get sick,” said Noreen Doyle, president of the Hudson River Park Trust, which is overseeing the sandy projects. While the New York Harbor is the cleanest it has been in decades, heavy rains that flush sewage into the river can cause the quality to vary at different times of the year.
For those wanting fun in the water, the next beach will allow for a dip and a vast amount of water sports. This one will run along the Williamsburg, Brooklyn shoreline. However, beachgoers will have to wait about five years for its grand opening.
The Two Trees company, which is redeveloping the Domino Sugar Factory next to the Williamsburg beach, is pushing for swimming. Right now, only wading has been approved. Though, since it is projected to open in 2028, there is plenty of time to get clearance from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
