Jones Beach's East Bathhouse makes a splash after 17 years

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Inside the $100 million transformation

The line wrapped around the nearly century-old East Bathhouse.

That’s how eager Long Islanders were to get their first look at the newly reopened Jones Beach landmark this weekend after it had sat vacant since 2009.

Now transformed into a family-friendly recreation destination, the East Bathhouse features a new 125-by-75-foot learn-to-swim pool, an interactive splash pad and restored Art Deco architecture that pays homage to the park’s storied past.

On Monday, Seaford resident Courtney Rackow stopped by with her 9- and 12-year-old sons after getting a call from her mom.

“My mom told me she was taking my two sons here today, and I said, ‘Wait a minute. If you’re taking them, you’re taking me too. I want to go,'” Rackow said with a laugh.

Once inside, she said the trip was well worth it.

“It’s really nice. It’s clean. It’s big. The boys have been loving the splash zone. There’s really not much not to like.”

Her 9-year-old son, Tristan, was just as impressed.

“I love everything,” Tristan told GLI. “The water was so clear. It was fun getting to hang out with my brother in the pool.”

*The $100 million renovation preserves the landmark’s iconic design while giving the building a new purpose for a new generation of beachgoers. (Credit: GLI/Andrew Rappaport)*

The pool will host free swimming lessons through New York State Parks’ Learn-to-Swim program, with classes for children ages 15 and younger held Wednesdays from 8 to 10 a.m. Adults 16 and older can take lessons Thursdays from 7 to 7:45 p.m.

The adjacent maritime-themed sprayground offers interactive water features designed for younger children.

Retired Queens resident Eddy Lopez, who regularly visits Jones Beach, said he couldn’t wait to see the long-awaited transformation.

“Now that they opened this part, I had to come here and see what it was all about,” Lopez said. “It’s beautiful. The pool is great. The locker room is state of the art. They did a great job with the facility.”

His first impression?

“I was definitely wowed when I walked in.”

Although the facility can accommodate roughly 1,200 visitors, park officials said attendance will be carefully managed to ensure the space remains comfortable for families.

The East Bathhouse was originally built between 1929 and 1930 as part of Robert Moses’ original vision for Jones Beach State Park.

The $100 million renovation preserves the landmark’s iconic design while giving the building a new purpose for a new generation of beachgoers, said Gov. Kathy Hochul.

“This marks the completion of the final piece of the vision for Jones Beach State Park and opens a new chapter in this historic destination’s legacy,” Hochul said. “The revitalized East Bathhouse creates an affordable place where families can cool off, children can learn critical water safety skills and New Yorkers can enjoy one of our state’s most treasured parks for generations to come.”