Coney Island Beach opens for the summer

It’s time to hit the beach!

Brooklynites young and old braved an unexpectedly high wind chill on Saturday, May 23 and celebrated opening day at Coney Island beach. The jam-packed afternoon was preceded by a press conference and ceremonial opening hosted by the New York City Parks Department on Thursday, May 21 during which Borough President Eric Adams and other city officials stressed the importance of water safety this summer.

The city’s public beaches will remain open through Labor Day Weekend with lifeguards on duty daily – from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. – and swimming strictly prohibited all other times.

According to Parks, everything is coming up Coney this year with the South Brooklyn beach boasting the 95^th anniversary of its acclaimed Deno’s Wonder Wheel, a local landmark alongside Luna Park’s venerable Cyclone roller coaster and the Parachute Jump, a ride no longer, but which is illuminated at night to the delight of visitors.

In addition, the New York Aquarium is undergoing a major renovation of its shark exhibit building, while offering visitors an unmatched view of undersea life.

Adding to the fun is a jam-packed schedule of weekly activities around Coney – from Friday night fireworks to Flicks on the Beach and karaoke talent shows to Cyclones games at MCU Park.

Adams was joined on the Riegelmann Boardwalk by New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Mitchell Silver and New York Aquarium Director Jon Forrest Dohlin, among others.