Designation date: May 15, 2018
*Planned and designed by engineer Philip P. Farley, the Coney Island (Riegelmann) Boardwalk is one of the best-known waterfront promenades in the world. Named for Brooklyn Borough President Edward J. Riegelmann, who played a leading role in its creation during his two terms in office, the 2.7-mile-long boardwalk was part of an ambitious plan to rejuvenate Coney Island and the beach. Inspired by the success of earlier public boardwalks in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and other locations, officials hoped the boardwalk would turn the area into a year round resort. The Coney Island Boardwalk gave people of all economic and social backgrounds free access to the beach and has become a significant destination unto itself.
The boardwalk was originally constructed with wood planks laid in a modified chevron pattern, flanking two longitudinal paths. The boardwalk has been largely reconstructed over time, in addition to replacement wood planking laid in a modified chevron pattern, concrete paving has been installed from Brighton 1st Road to Ocean Parkway, and West 33rd to 37th Streets. Recycled plastic lumber with a concrete carriage path has been installed from Brighton 15th Street to Coney Island Avenue. Recycled plastic lumber was also used in the 2013 reconstruction of Steeplechase Pier after it was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
*Excerpt from the Landmarks Preservation Commission designation report
STATUS Designated Scenic Landmark
The Neighborhood
Coney Island
Coney Island faces Lower New York Bay and Sandy Hook, New Jersey, and was formerly part of Gravesend, one of Brooklyn’s original six towns. Originally an island it was connected to Brooklyn (Long Island) by landfill in the early 20th century.
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