Gateway National Recreation Area, National Recreation Area in New York City and New Jersey, United States
Gateway National Recreation Area is a large protected area with beaches, marshlands, and habitats along the New York coast and northern New Jersey. The land includes several distinct sections with forests, wetlands, and open shorelines that together create a varied landscape.
The area was established in 1972 as the first urban recreation area in the US National Park System. It preserves old military fortifications and holds one of the nation's oldest still-operating lighthouses.
Jamaica Bay is a protected habitat where birds breed and spend winter, with visitors able to watch this wildlife from dedicated observation points. The location has become a center for studying coastal ecosystems and attracts people who want to research nature or simply spot rare species.
The area is open year-round and provides multiple visitor centers, parking areas, and camping options. When visiting, keep in mind that different sections have varying conditions and some trails can be flooded during high tide or bad weather.
Floyd Bennett Field houses Hangar B, where volunteers work on restoring historic aircraft and display a collection of vintage planes to the public. This project preserves an often-overlooked piece of aviation history within an urban park.
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