A State of the Bay Event

Join us for a dynamic, in-person gathering of community leaders, researchers, and environmental stewards dedicated to the protection and restoration of Jamaica Bay.

Set against the backdrop of the Jamaica Bay and Rockaway coastline, this event will spotlight cutting-edge strategies, celebrate local achievements, and explore bold, collaborative solutions for building a resilient and thriving urban estuary.

Agenda

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Arrival, Check-In & Networking Lunch

12:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Program

• Welcome & Opening Remarks

• Keynote Address

• Panel Discussions

• Spark Talks

• Award Presentation

4:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Rooftop Happy Hour

Information on speakers available at JBRPC.org/stateofthebay

Getting Here
The Rockaway Hotel
108-10 Rockaway Beach Drive, Queens, NY 11694
www.therockawayhotel.com

By Ferry:
Take the NYC Ferry Rockaway Route from Wall Street/Pier 11 or Sunset Park/Brooklyn Army Terminal and enjoy the ride to the Rockaway stop on 108th Street. Once you step off the ferry, continue walking down 108th Street and in less than 5 minutes, you will have arrived.

Arriving by ferry is one of the most scenic and enjoyable ways to reach the Rockaways—plus, you’ll travel through the heart of Jamaica Bay.

Ferry Schedule

By Subway:
Take the Rockaway Park A-Train directly to Beach 105th Street–Seaside Station
— or —
Take the Far Rockaway A-Train to Broad Channel Station and transfer to the S-Train Shuttle to Beach 105th Street–Seaside Station.

From the station, it’s just a short walk west along Rockaway Beach Boulevard to reach The Rockaway Hotel.

By Car:
Street parking is available nearby but can be limited in the summer due to increased beach visitors—please allow extra time.

Learn about aviation’s golden age! Tour historic aircraft collection!

Aviation history did not happen in a day. Join National Park Ranger Flor at Hangar B for an in depth look at aviation pioneers and the obstacles they overcame in order to make history. Put yourself in their shoes and explore the planes they would have flown. Pilots like Amelia Earhart, Wiley Post and others faced a lot of scrutiny in their quest to earn their “wings.” Discover the lasting legacy of these aviation pioneers. 

No registration or reservation needed.

Prepare for takeoff!

Join a park ranger for a guided tour of historic Hangar B at Floyd Bennett Field and learn how this airfield helped shape the early days of aviation with record-breaking flights, pioneering pilots, and pivotal wartime efforts.

No registration or reservation is required.

Learn about aviation’s golden age! Tour historic aircraft collection!

Aviation history did not happen in a day. Join National Park Ranger Flor at Hangar B for an in depth look at aviation pioneers and the obstacles they overcame in order to make history. Put yourself in their shoes and explore the planes they would have flown. Pilots like Amelia Earhart, Wiley Post and others faced a lot of scrutiny in their quest to earn their “wings.” Discover the lasting legacy of these aviation pioneers. 

No registration or reservation needed.

From military forts to beach dunes, Fort Tilden is known for its many defense systems. Join a park ranger on a guided nature walk on trails nestled between dunes and maritime forests and learn about how this site has defended us in the past and how it continues to do so today. 

This program includes walking for approximately 2 miles on uneven terrain, including hills, rocks, sand, and wooden stairs. Meet outside Building 1 (1 Murray Rd.) at Fort Tilden, across the street from the horse corrals and fire station.

Learn about aviation’s golden age! Tour historic aircraft collection!

Aviation history did not happen in a day. Join National Park Ranger Flor at Hangar B for an in depth look at aviation pioneers and the obstacles they overcame in order to make history. Put yourself in their shoes and explore the planes they would have flown. Pilots like Amelia Earhart, Wiley Post and others faced a lot of scrutiny in their quest to earn their “wings.” Discover the lasting legacy of these aviation pioneers. 

No registration or reservation needed.

Celebrate New York City's first municipal airport with a day of fun, movement, and adventure! Lace-up your sneakers and join us for a fun run across the same historic airstrips where aviation legends once soared. After the run, keep the party going with an afternoon of music, games and creativity. Come run, dance, explore, and celebrate the legacy of this park while making new memories with family and friends.

Event Highlights:

• Fun Run on Historic Runways – Join us for a 2 mile walk, jog, or run.

• DJ Dance Party – Celebrate with music, movement, and high-energy fun!

• Community Artwork – Help us decorate a giant birthday card for Floyd Bennett Field and add your creativity to a collaborative masterpiece.

• Scavenger Hunts – Search for clues inside Hangar B exhibits and explore the park's rich collection of historic aircraft!

• Kid’s Craft: Make Your Own Airplane Wings – Let little aviators create and soar across the lawn with DIY Wings!

• Lawn Games & Picnic Space – Bring your picnic, play classic games, and enjoy the fresh spring air.

Circuit shuttles to Hangar B

• Hop on a free Circuit shuttle to Hangar B to see the remarkably restored historic aircraft. Hop back on the shuttle when you are finished to return to the main event.

*Online registration for the Fun Run is closed, but additional runners and walkers are welcome to register in-person tomorrow.

Need a ride to the event? Consider catching a ride with Circuit. 

Morning and early afternoon look sunny, with rain coming after the event ends!

Learn about aviation’s golden age! Tour historic aircraft collection!

Aviation history did not happen in a day. Join National Park Ranger Flor at Hangar B for an in depth look at aviation pioneers and the obstacles they overcame in order to make history. Put yourself in their shoes and explore the planes they would have flown. Pilots like Amelia Earhart, Wiley Post and others faced a lot of scrutiny in their quest to earn their “wings.” Discover the lasting legacy of these aviation pioneers. 

No registration or reservation needed.

Join a park ranger to examine the many different careers of record -breaking Floyd Bennett Field aviator Howard Hughes.

All programs are subject to cancellation due to weather. Please check the National Park Service website or Instagram on the day of program for any updates.

Join a park ranger at Floyd Bennett Field’s Ryan Visitor Center to examine the life and career of journalist and park advocate Jacob Riis and see why one of Gateway National Recreation Area’s most visited sites is named in his honor.

All programs are subject to cancellation due to weather. Please check the National Park Service website or Instagram on the day of program for any updates.