Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

The proposed Energy and Nature Center at Jones Beach will be located in the West End II Parking Field and the proposed Park Preservation Area is located 150 feet to the west of the West End II Parking Field. The Energy and Nature Center will be constructed by New York State Park, Recreation and Historic Preservation (Parks) in partnership with the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), Public Service Enterprise Group Long Island (PSEG-LI), and the New York State Power Authority.

The Energy and Nature Center will be a new building of approximately 11,000 sq. ft. in the location of the existing public restroom, which will be demolished. Additional improvements within the West End II Parking Field will include a new 2,500 sq ft public restroom/bathhouse and the removal of 12.6 acres of parking area and hardscape. Visitors to the new center will learn about Long Island's various ecosystems and how to use energy wisely, conserve water, and create a more resilient and sustainable future. The center will also act as a gateway to the Park Preservation Area to the west.

The proposed Park Preservation Area (PPA) will be 218.5 acres. The PPA designation fosters a high level of stewardship by maintaining the ecological integrity of the PPA; limiting development to appropriate passive recreation such as hiking, fishing and birding; and encouraging scientific research, study, and public environmental education.

Directions:
Jones Beach: The Landing

From Westchester, Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens: Take the Long Island Expressway East or Grand Central Parkway East/Northern State Parkway East to Meadowbrook Parkway South to Jones Beach State Park or Belt/Southern State Parkway East to Meadowbrook South to Jones Beach State Park. Head east and once you pass the West Bathhouse immediately on your right there will be a Parking Lot for The Landing.

From Eastern Long Island: Take the Northern State Parkway West or the Southern State Parkway West to Wantagh Parkway South to Jones Beach State Park. At the water tower make a right and head west, make your first u-turn and head back east toward the water tower, once you pass the West Bathhouse immediately on your right there will be a Parking Lot for The Landing.

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, which are visited by 71 million people annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.parks.ny.gov, connect with us on Facebook, or follow on Instagram and Twitter.