Gateway National Recreation Area America’s Best Idea: National Park Getaway
National Park Service News Release
Jane Ahern, Gateway National Recreation Area, Jane_Ahern@nps.gov,
718-354-4607
Elise Cleva, NPS Headquarters, Elise_M_Cleva@nps.gov, 202-208-6843
May 19, 2010
Gateway National Recreation Area
America’s Best Idea: National Park Getaway
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Gateway National Recreation Area, this week’s feature in the National Park Getaway series found at www.nps.gov/getaways, serves resident New Yorkers, New Jerseyans, and visitors. All may welcome a break from the city, and Gateway offers flocks of migratory birds instead of crowds of commuters, sun shimmering on water instead of the glitter of street lamps and neon signs, quiet kayaks instead of honking taxicabs.
In fact, the activities available at Gateway—bird- and wildlife-watching, hiking, paddling, and sailing—can be found at plenty of less urban destinations. This national park, then, brings a bit of the Grand Canyon or Acadia to the edges of the Big Apple.
“As the country’s first national recreation area, the park, when added to the national park system in 1972, was heralded as a breakthrough in recreation planning,” noted Superintendent Barry Sullivan. “Located in the heart of urban America, it is truly a ‘gateway’ to the national park experience.”
In fact, Gateway National Recreation Area is a portal to fabulous experiences. Rangers and volunteers lead activities and programs. Come out for Coastal Defense Day and Ocean Fun Day on May 23, when, among other things, you can tour the gun batteries of an historic fort and visit touch tanks to “get a feel for” marine science. Later, on the evening of May 28, join a ranger to watch horseshoe crabs by the light of the Full Flower Moon.
Gateway is the 49th park featured in the Getaway series. This week’s article will help you identify “can’t miss” experiences on a visit to this national recreation area. Each week’s article introduces you to a place where you can reconnect with nature, history, family, and friends.
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