Our Work

Campground Expansion

In an effort to accommodate family and Scout groups, The Sandy Hook Foundation continues to work with the National Park Service to implement plans for an expansion of the campground area near Horseshoe Cove.

Water Refill Stations

Hydration Stations #1 and #2 are complete and ready for use, offering reusable bottle filling stations for thirsty visitors. #1 is located adjacent to Lot M close to the northern tip of the Hook and #2 is located at the entrance to Camp Gateway. Large educational signage in English and Spanish informs visitors about water usage and the importance of doing away with single use plastics. Both stations are accessible. Special thanks to Manasquan Bank Foundation for their support of this project, and to our partners at NPS for providing the labor.

Trail and Fence Repair

The Foundation has completed a project to further enhance the area near the Battery Peck Observation Deck with the installation of a new split rail fence.

Observation Deck

With an unbeatable elevated view of lower New York Harbor and the New York City skyline, the Battery Peck Observation Deck was recently rebuilt, including the addition of new benches and updated landscaping to blend man-made and natural features of the area. This project was funded by the Foundation.

Bike Repair Stations

The Foundation funded six bike repair stations which are installed at strategic points along the seven mile Multi-Use Path (MUP). In June 2023 Sandy Hook Foundation’s Vice President and Chief Cycling Advocate Gerry Glaser replaced one nonworking pump at Nine Gun Battery with this new one. The next two new/replacement stations will be at Beach B and E. The other three stations that were recently refurbished are at the campground directly across the MUP from the new hydration station; the parking lot next to the mortar battery; and at the back of the pavilion at Gunnison. With six repair stations, Sandy Hook may have more stations per mile than any park we know about!

Click here to see bicycle repair station locations.

History House

The Foundation funded History House renovations after Hurricane Sandy, including specialty repair of historic plaster walls, electrical work, and the acquisition and installation of replica 1940s appliances.

Beach Wheelchairs

The Foundation purchased 11 beach wheelchairs for park visitors and funds their ongoing maintenance. This helps ensure that anyone can enjoy a day at the beach!

Piping Plover Video

Local documentarian Jeff Gould produced the award-winning Preserving the Piping Plover: A Natural Partnership for Survival. It features many never-before-captured images of the threatened piping plover population at Sandy Hook. The Sandy Hook Foundation provided funding for this project. Click here to watch this video.

Fort Hancock Museum

In the Fort Hancock museum, the Sandy Hook Foundation funded new exhibit lighting, window treatments, floor display cabinets, and wall panels. See the Plan Your Visit page for more information.

Osprey Documentary

The Ospreys of Sandy Hook was shot and produced by Jeff Gould, and is available for visitors to watch at the Lighthouse Keepers Quarters. The Sandy Hook Foundation provided funding for this project. Click here to watch this video.

LHKQ Restoration

A large-scale renovation of the Sandy Hook Lighthouse Keepers Quarters (LHKQ) was completed in 2006. Funded by the Foundation, this project created new exhibit and office space and restored the building’s external appearance to the 1930s. This building operates year-round as the Sandy Hook Visitor Center. See the Plan Your Visit page for more information.

Nike Missile Displays

The Foundation funded purchase of one and transportation of two decommissioned Nike Missiles to Sandy Hook from Florida. The NPS restored these missiles, which can now be seen at the Nike Launch Site (Lot N). More recently, the Foundation funded transportation for an additional Nike Hercules missile (above) for preservation and public display.

Mobi-Mats®

Mobi-Mats® are a durable, flexible flooring product that extend from select beach plazas at Sandy Hook toward the shoreline. They provide a smoother surface that eases the trip down to the water for everyone, especially those using a beach wheelchair, walking aid, or baby stroller. The Sandy Hook Foundation provided partial funding for Mobi-Mats®.

Artifact Acquisition

The Gateway National Recreation Area museum collection contains objects ranging from artillery shells to sea shells. The Foundation helped the National Park Service procure a variety of historic artifacts such as photographs, architectural drawings, manuals, maps, menus, newspapers, uniforms, insignia, cups, plaques, and more.

SCA Internships

Student Conservation Association (SCA) internships funded by the Foundation supported interpretive programming at the Sandy Hook Lighthouse and provided bayside water safety ambassadors.