Gateway National Recreation Area was created by Congress in 1972 "in order to preserve and protect for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations an area possessing outstanding natural and recreational features." This legislation included the "Sandy Hook unit - the entire area between Highway 36 Bridge and the northeastern point of the peninsula." The entire area was known as Fort Han
cock prior to the transfer of the installation from the U.S. The legislation further directed that " In the Sandy Hook Unit, the National Park Service shall inventory and evaluate all sites and structures having present and potential historical, cultural or architectural significance and shall provide for appropriate programs for the preservation, restoration, appreciation, interpretaion, and utilization of them." This RFEI presents the opportunity for other entities to work in partnership with the National Park Service to preserve, interpret and appropriately utilize the lands and buildings within the historic district. SITE DESCRIPTION
The Fort Hancock Hisoric District includes 37 buildings and associated property in the northern portion of what the Army called Fort Hancock and is currently known as Sandy Hook. The entire area provides opportunities to:
- enhance visitor experiences through additional opportunities for extended stays and food services
- expose visitors to the key aspects of Amerian history, technology and the defenses of New York Harbor
- provide opportunites for cultural and educational enrichment
- promote recreational activities including hiking, biking, swimming, boating, surfing, and other park resource based activities
- provide business opportunities that are within the scope of National Park Service purposes
OPPORTUNITY
In recent planning documents, the National Park Service has determined that Gateway National Recreation Area should serve as a gateway to the National Park experience, giving visitors an opportunity to experience the natural wonders of the great outdoors, America's rich history and the benefits of an active lifestyle. As Gateway moves forward to achieve it's mandate to bring the National Park experience to the people of the metropolitan area, it needs to find practical, long-term solutions to preserve the Fort Hancock Historic District without impairing the serenity of Sandy Hook. This should be accomplished without detracting from its pivotal role as an ecological oasis and as a prime recreational destination for millions of visitors. These buildings and their historic landscape not only reveal the social and defense aspects of the garrison that defended New York Harbor from Fort Hancock throughout a turbulent century, but also provide adaptive opportunities for utilization which can benefit local communities with employment opportunities as well as educational, scientific and cultural experiences.
