Repairing Coney Island’s Sandy-damaged Steeplechase Pier, March 13, 2013. Photo © Tricia Vita/me-myself-i via flickr
Yesterday in Coney Island, for the first time we saw repair work being done on the Sandy-damaged Steeplechase Pier. The 1,000-foot-pier is a popular spot for fishing and for watching the Friday night fireworks, which begin on June 21st. In the past, it was also a favorite place for pier divers, who defied the “No Diving” signs for the thrill of the jump.
ATZ asked one of the workers when the pier would be open again. “We hope to have it open by July,” he said. When more info is available from the Parks Department we’ll post an update. Along with the Parachute Jump, which will be the centerpiece of the new Steeplechase Plaza, the rebuilt pier is a survivor of George C Tilyou’s Steeplechase Park.
UPDATE 4:17pm
ATZ received an email from Meghan Lalor of the Parks Department Press Office confirming the above info: “The entire Steeplechase Pier is being reconstructed. We expect to complete construction by July 4.” Yay and Hooray! Excited the pier will be open for fireworks watching for most of the summer.
Related posts on ATZ…
March 11, 2013: Luna Park’s Pinwheels Go Up on Coney Island Boardwalk
October 31, 2012: Photo Album: Hurricane Sandy’s Aftermath in Coney Island
August 10, 2012: Steeplechase Plaza Under Construction in Coney Island
August 24, 2010: Video: Coney Island Pier Divers by Kevin C Downs
The pier is a seperate planet in the universe of Coney. It’s got soul, character and passion. May the pier come back stronger than ever. Thank you, Tricia for reporting this.
I know you miss being able to walk on the pier! Just happy it will be back much sooner than expected
thank you Tricia – this made my day!