Dear Friends of Sandy Hook,
This summer we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of Gateway's establishment in 1972 with the Great Gateway 50th Challenge. Participate in Sandy Hook's many planned activities and work your way toward earning a commemorative pin. Download the score card HERE and track your progress!
We hope to see you out and about on Sandy Hook - summer is here!!
The Staff and Board of Trustees of the Sandy Hook Foundation
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Save the Date - Sandy Hook Concert!
Back by popular demand, The Sandy Hook Foundation is very pleased to bring you our second annual benefit concert on Saturday, September 10 (rain date Sunday, September 11) at Beach E! Groove to the best sounds of the Jersey Shore with the Morroccan Sheepherders, The Eddie Testa Band, and The Danjos with Special Guests! Stay tuned for more details coming soon.
For sponship opportunities to support the work of The Sandy Hook Foundation and to make your business visible in front of thousands, email info@sandyhooknj.org
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Water Refill Station #2
Along the MUP trail at the entrance to Camp Gateway visitors will come across a station to refill their reusable water bottles. Funded by The Sandy Hook Foundation with support from Manasquan Bank Foundation, the signage informs visitors about the importance of reusable bottles and the fact that Sandy Hook is a Carry In/Carry Out park. The station will be up and running in time for the busy July 4 weekend.
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Meet Pete McCarthy
Unit Manager at Sandy Hook
Pete McCarthy has spent much of his professional life with the National Park Service (NPS), having served the federal government for 30 years. Twenty-four of those years have been at Gateway National Recreation Area (GNRA), thirteen at Sandy Hook and the prior eleven at the Jamaica Bay Unit. Growing up, Pete spent his summers working in and near parks as part of the public works department. He also spent time teaching and coaching in parks and this led to his appreciation of nature, especially nature in the midst of urban areas.
Pete started his professional life as a 7th grade social studies teacher where he worked five years for the Harrison, NJ Board of Education. He also worked in the hospitality industry. These combined experiences pointed to a future with the NPS, where customer service and education play important roles. Pete started as an Interpretive National Park Ranger at the Statue of Liberty National Monument. Working for the National Park Service, Pete served as the Floyd Bennett Field Site Manager, North Shore District Ranger, Deputy Superintendent, and later Acting Superintendent at the Jamaica Bay Unit. He was also the Acting Superintendent at Manhattan Sites in New York and Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore, Maryland.
Pete appreciates all national parks, but feels that parks in urban areas make big impacts. By choice, Pete has stayed in the northeast region with his work for the NPS and firmly believes in Gateway National Recreation Area’s mission to bring the best park experience possible to urban residents.
Within the Gateway units Pete has many favorite places. At Jamaica Bay, Floyd Bennett Field and the history of the aviation industry are especially compelling to him. At Sandy Hook, he finds certain vistas and scenery breathtaking and notes that Sandy Hook has a little bit of everything. Here at Sandy Hook, visitors can stop by historic Battery Gunnison/New Battery Peck and talk with volunteers in full uniform who have restored it with painstaking accuracy to the WWII era. Families can spend the day at Guardian Park picnic area to take in the beautiful sunsets or visit Beach Area D, where Pete thinks looking out over the ocean gives visitors a bigger perspective of the world. Pete feels that Sandy Hook is a destination where people can bring joy and relief to themselves and their lives.
A love of national parks runs in the family. Pete’s wife Suzanne is the Executive Director of National Parks of New York Harbor, and they have made a point of visiting parks across the country with their twin daughters, both college students now. Over the past 6 years they have been lucky enough to have been able to visit, as Pete says, “Some of the big ones.” At Acadia in Maine, at the top of Cadillac Mountain Pete says the view is, “From heaven.” It’s the highest point on the eastern seaboard with magnificent views of a glaciated coastal and island landscape. He has also spent time boating on Yellowstone Lake and at Grand Teton National Park, where he found the surrounding Bureau of Land Management and forestry lands stunning. Last summer, the family was lucky enough to go to Yosemite, where Pete says, “No matter what your beliefs, the incredible natural beauty has to come from a higher place. From the giant sequoias to Half Dome, Yosemite is breathtaking.”
With each visit to a national park, Pete realizes all national parks follow the same rules for conservation and preservation, and he feels just as responsible caring for the resources at Sandy Hook as someone in Yellowstone does, despite the wildly different landscape. With over two million visitors a year, Sandy Hook has significant natural resources, in addition to the 200 buildings, of which almost half are considered historic. The park’s budget, allocated by Congress, has never been able to meet the needs to keep up with the massive maintenance backlog at Gateway. Of the many things that make Sandy Hook special, caring for the nation’s oldest continually operating lighthouse, a national historic landmark on its own which has been here for 258 years, is truly a feather in Sandy Hook’s cap and a major responsibility as well. Even though it sits more than a mile from the ocean, the lighthouse is still considered a point of navigation and is currently operated and maintained by the NPS. The beacon is maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard, who occasionally have to, “Go up and change the bulb.”
A lesser known fact is that the entirety of Sandy Hook is considered a National Historic Landmark District. This came about in the 1980s as a result of studies of the cultural resources of its military participation throughout its history. The Sandy Hook Lighthouse and Spermaceti Lifesaving Station are separate national registered entries, so they have significance on their own.
Pete has enjoyed working with The Sandy Hook Foundation over the past 13 years. He says, “It’s a rare thing to have a community-based friends’ group that is so dedicated to the NPS.” Accomplishments of The Sandy Hook Foundation have been rewarding, including the rebuilding of the observation deck at Battery Peck, the restoration of the Lighthouse Keepers Quarters, and financial support for group camping. He says this list doesn't include all the little things like programming or quick turnaround assistance and being advocates for the park and the public.
Pete’s priority is to ensure the park runs well on a day-to-day basis. He stresses to his staff that they are responsible for enhancing the visitor experience. In fact, Pete’s email signature is “What have you done to improve the visitor experience today?" Whether it’s answering a question, picking up a piece of garbage on the side of the road, engaging with visitors, or making Sandy Hook a welcoming place for everyone Pete knows these are all things that contribute to making Sandy Hook a great national park.
Pete is proud of the fact that after his first year at Sandy Hook in 2010, after a horrific drowning incident on the bayside, he developed and executed a program to put multi-lingual interns on the beach to talk with visitors about the hazards of the tides on the bayside. To this day, the park continues this education through programs like the upcoming Latino Conservation Day - Ocean Safety on July 23 and 24 in Guardian Park. Pete is also proud of getting the park reopened, following the devastation of Superstorm Sandy. Park staff were able to reopen within 6 months, nothing short of a Herculean feat considering the acute infrastructure damage to the park.
If you see Pete out and about at Sandy Hook, be sure to say hello to someone who has invested so much of his time and talent to make Sandy Hook, your national park, the best experience it can be.
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So Much to Do on Sandy Hook
This summer be sure to visit our park partners and vendors and take advantage of all Sandy Hook has to offer! Sandy Hook Kayaks and SUP rentals open on Monday, May 30 (Memorial Day). There are two beautiful and restored houses to rent within Fort Hancock. Sandy Hook Rentals has a house on Officers Row to rent, and another rental property is just around the corner and available through AirBNB. Bikes, beach chairs and umbrellas are available beginning Memorial Day weekend at Sandy Hook Beach Rentals. Be sure to stop by at McFly's inside the old Post Exchange for array of food, snacks, beverages, ice cream and oddities! And, don’t forget Sandy Hook has its own Park Store, located inside the Visitor’s Center at the Lighthouse Keepers Quarters. Here you can find items related to Sandy Hook’s history, open daily from 9 AM - 5 PM.
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The Sandy Hook Foundation (SHF) has achieved the 2022 Platinum Seal of Transparency from Guidestar/Candid, the highest level of transparency. Guidestar's mission is to revolutionize philanthropy by providing information that advances transparency, enables users to make better decisions, and encourages charitable giving. |
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Sandy Hook Lighthouse Tours
Tours are first-come, first-served. Children must be 48 inches tall to climb the tower. Lighthouse tour sign-ups start at 12:30PM in the 1883 Keeper’s Quarters. Visit the lighthouse keepers quarters exhibits on New Jersey lighthouses, a rotating art exhibit, and visit the park store. Grounds and video in adjacent barn are always open. Organized groups must make advance reservations.
Daily, 1 PM to 4:30 PM
Call (732) 872-5970 for more information.
The Sandy Hook Visitor Center & Park Store, located inside the Lighthouse Keepers Quarters, is open daily, 9 AM – 5 PM
History House, Building #1
An 1898 lieutenant’s quarters on “Officers Row” overlooking Sandy Hook Bay is furnished to the WWII era, the busiest time in the Fort’s history.
Fort Hancock Historic Post, Officer’s Row
Daily, 1 PM – 5 PM
Nike Missile Radar Site
Tour the Nike Integrated Fire Control (IFC) Area to experience where nuclear armed Nike Hercules Missiles were controlled and guided during the Cold War defense of the New York metropolitan area. While taking a guided tour of this one-time secret missile site, you will have the opportunity to meet and talk with some of the veterans who worked the Cold War era Nike Air Defense System.
Parking Lot L at Horseshoe Cove
Saturdays: 7/9 & 8/13
Sundays: 7/17 & 8/21
12 PM – 4 PM
Fort Hancock Post Museum, Building #28
From the Revolutionary War to the Cold War, Sandy Hook boasts a rich military history. Stop in and learn Sandy Hook’s history from cannons to missiles.
Saturdays and Sundays, through August 28
1 PM – 5 PM
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Programs in the Park
WEEKLY PROGRAMS
MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS and FRIDAYS
Canoe Cruises
Take a two-mile morning paddle to explore Sandy Hook Bay from an ideal vantage point—the water itself. Rangers guide you on a two-and-a-half-hour tour of the bayside waters and Skeleton Hill Island.
Life-Saving Station Parking Lot (between Lot D and Lot E)
Through August 29
9:15 AM – 12 PM Go to www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777 to make your reservation. Fee-based program.
Crustacean of the Day
Park rangers reveal fun facts and provide a hands-on crustacean pool to share with beachgoers of all ages. Drop in to observe and handle creatures native to Sandy Hook Bay.
North Chute @ Lot E
Through August 29
2 PM – 4 PM
SATURDAYS
Yoga on the Beach
Sponsored by The Sandy Hook Foundation, begin your Saturday with a peaceful, yet vigorous, traditional Vinyasa yoga practice on the beach. The practice is open to everyone and all levels, from beginners to advanced, and will focus on flowing through basic poses and maintaining poses with proper alignment. Please bring a large, sturdy beach blanket and wear light, comfortable workout attire. Hydration is also important, so please bring your own water (refillable bottles). Please be advised there is no beach fee waiver for this program.
Parking Lot D – North Chute
June 4 – August 29
8 AM – 9 AM
SATURDAYS and SUNDAYS
Birding on the Deck
Visit a ranger on top of the observation deck, rebuilt by The Sandy Hook Foundation. A scope will be set up to view and learn how to identify osprey, egrets, and songbirds.
Observation Deck @ Lot M
9 AM – 11 AM
PROGRAMS in JULY
Fort Hancock History Tour
Take a stroll around Fort Hancock with a ranger and learn about its history. The tour will include stops at the Fort Hancock Museum, Sandy Hook Lighthouse, Mortar Battery, Battery Potter, Rodman Gun and Officers’ Row.
Meet at Fort Hancock Post Museum Grounds, Building 28
Thursday, July 7
5 PM – 7 PM
Call (732) 872-5970 to make a reservation.
Season of the Osprey
Is that an eagle on the chimney? No, it's an osprey! Join a ranger for a driving tour with stops to see and talk about our most iconic summer bird. You'll learn about the history of ospreys in North America and why ospreys nest in Fort Hancock. Bring binoculars if you have them. The NPS will have binoculars for loan and spotting scopes to use as a group.
Visitors Center - Lighthouse Keepers Quarters
Monday, July 11
6 PM - 7:30 PM
Free, Call 732-872-5970 to make a reservation.
Night Hike - Full Buck Moon
Explore Sandy Hook during the full buck moon. As this time of year, a buck's antlers are in full growth mode. This night hike features walking along the beach with a ranger. Bring a flashlight, bug repellant, and wear shoes that can get wet.
Beach Plaza at Lot E
Wednesday, July 13
7:30 PM - 9 PM
Free, Call 732-872-5970 to make a reservation.
Twilight Seining
Beach seining involves dragging a large seine net with two poles on each end through the water to catch various marine species. We provide chest waders for all the participants to keep dry while assisting our rangers with dragging the seine net. The participants will have the opportunity to have hands-on interaction with the animals caught including different types of crabs, killifish, Atlantic silverside, pipefish, shrimp and more! Don’t forget to wear good sand walking shoes and bug repellent.
Bayside Beach at Lot C
Friday, July 15
5 PM – 7 PM
Free, call (732) 872-5970 to make reservations.
Family Friendly Campfire on the Beach
Sing silly Sandy Hook songs with park rangers and hear true stories from days of yore surrounding the history and mysteries of the Hook. Participants are encouraged to bring beach blankets or chairs, snacks, bug spray, family and friends! NO ALCOHOL allowed during the program. Parents must supervise their children.
North Beach Chute at Lot E
Friday, July 22
7:30 PM – 9 PM
Free. No reservation is required.
Fort Hancock Bike Tour
Join a ranger on a guided bicycle tour of Fort Hancock, highlighting everything from batteries to beaches. Bring your bicycle and bike helmet.
Theater Parking Lot - Building 67
Saturday, July 23
1 PM – 3 PM
Call (732) 872-5970 to make a reservation. ♥ 3 miles.
Latino Conservation Day - Ocean Safety
Learn about water safety with our Student Conservation Association interns and a park ranger. What are the warning signs to look out for when swimming in the ocean vs. swimming in a lake? Beach safety tips to make sure you and your family are safe in the water. Activities are available for children to participate and win a give-away.
Guardian Park
Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24
12 PM - 3 PM
Guardian Park
Facebook Live - Coffee with a Ranger
Join the live video or pre-register in the events tab on the park's Facebook page HERE. Topic TBD.
Monday, July 25
10 AM - 11 AM
Restoring Battery Gunnison/New Battery Peck
The Army Ground Forces Association is a volunteer group in WWII era uniform performing restoration projects and interpreting Battery Gunnison/New Battery Peck. Visitors are invited to stop by to chat and learn more about their restoration efforts and the historic time period of August 1943 at Fort Hancock.
Gunnison Beach Plaza
Thursday - Saturday, July 28 - July 30
12 PM - 5 PM
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The Sandy Hook Foundation Is Charity Partner for Jersey Shore Half Marathon
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The Sandy Hook Foundation is pleased to be named as the official Charity Partner of the 2022 Jersey Shore Half Marathon scheduled for October 2 on Sandy Hook and produced by the Shore Athletic Club, (Shore A.C.). During registration, participants will have the option to make a tax-deductible donation to The Sandy Hook Foundation through the event website, to support our work within the park. The Foundation will also be present on race day. For more information about The Sandy Hook Foundation, please email info@sandyhooknj.org, visit the website at www.sandyhooknj.org, or call 732-291-7733.
For questions or more information about the Jersey Shore Half Marathon, contact race coordinator Erin O’Neill. Both groups look forward to seeing you at the beach on Sunday, October 2, 2022.
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Get More Involved ... Volunteer with the Shorebird Ecology Ambassador Program
Volunteers are needed to join the park’s team as a Shorebird Ecology Ambassador Volunteer in Parks (SEA-VIP), to help preserve and protect the Piping Plover and other threatened and endangered nesting shorebirds. Volunteer opportunities include assistance with shorebird protection projects (Installing symbolic fencing/signs), monitoring beach use and nesting sites, educating beach users about dune and beach wildlife and habitat, and staffing an information booth in the beach plazas.
To volunteer with Lloyd Crawford, Sandy Hook's Community Volunteer Ambassador to help protect the piping plover, please email him directly to get started with the National Park Service.
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The Sandy Hook Foundation, a designated
501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the Official Friends Group of the
National Park Service at Sandy Hook.
We rely on your support and every donation is meaningful.
Please, consider your contribution today.
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