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If you’ve never visited the natural paradise that is Watch Hill on Fire Island, this is the season to make it happen.
Fire Island National Seashore has just completed a $6 million infrastructure restoration project to the Watch Hill Marina, which was closed to ferry and boat traffic all last year. The repairs were required to address issues caused by superstorm Sandy in 2012.
That, and FINS just announced to a new concessions operator for both Watch Hill and Sailors Haven.
Love Watch Hill and Sailors Haven, Inc. will run the marina, snack bar, restaurant, camp store, and campground at Watch Hill, as well as the marina and snack bar at Sailors Haven.
The new arrangement allows for much expanded food services.
The company’s president, Doug Biviano, also a Bay Shore native, told FINS he, “spent the past 18 summers on an old sailboat with his family at Fire Island,” and is, “eager to share his passion for this place with others.”
Love Watch Hill will also offer a small number of seasonal slips at Watch Hill, and is working to finalize an advanced booking option for both marinas, according to FINS.
(They’re also hiring. Click here for details.)
The marinas open May 18. That’s also the date campers can start camping at Watch Hill.
“We are excited to have both sites up and running this season,” said FINS facilities manager Jim Dunphy, who oversaw the recently completed infrastructure project. “With the opening of Watch Hill we can close the chapter on Hurricane Sandy recovery at Fire Island National Seashore.”
More information on the marina and campground reservation systems will be available soon through LoveFins.com.
