07/25/2026
Water has always been part of New York City's identity. It shapes our neighborhoods, supports wildlife, and has played a major role in the history of communities like Marine Park.
We celebrated City of Water Day by exploring that connection from every angle. Volunteers cleaned the beach and trails along Gerritsen Creek, first-time paddleboarders headed out for an on-the-water cleanup, birders learned about the marsh and its wildlife before spotting waterbirds along the creek, and visitors joined us for a lecture on the history of Marine Park, exploring how its waterways have shaped the landscape and community over time. Whether through stewardship, recreation, education, or history, every experience on the water helps build a stronger connection between New Yorkers and the places that surround them.
Thank you to everyone who spent today with us, and to our partners at Waterfront Alliance, Hudson River Foundation, Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy, NYC Bird Alliance, Salt Marsh Alliance, and Surf Skate Fitness for making the day possible. We hope you left with a deeper appreciation for the waters that make Marine Park—and New York City—such a special place. Stay tuned for more opportunities to get out on the water, explore the park, and help care for the incredible ecosystems that surround us.
