Beach 97th is where Rockaway is at its most Rockaway: the surf beach, the concession row, the boardwalk crowd, the smell of tacos and sunscreen competing for airspace. It also takes the heaviest use on the peninsula, which is precisely why a refresh session here shows results within an hour. If you want to volunteer somewhere that will be immediately and obviously better because you turned up, this is the block to pick.
What to expect
Meet the Parks crew on the boardwalk around Beach 97th Street and check in for the day's assignment, which staff set based on what the site needs. You're working in one of the most trafficked stretches of the boardwalk, so expect an audience of beachgoers, food lines and surfers heading past you. Concessions are close enough that lunch is not a problem.
Good to know
- The A train plus the Rockaway Park shuttle brings you to the Beach 90s and 98th Street area
- This is the concession stretch — food, drink and restrooms are all within a block
- Full sun on the boardwalk; bring a hat, sunscreen and water
- Closed-toe shoes for the work, sandals for after
- Check in with the Parks crew when you arrive for the day's tasks
- The surf beach here is one of the few in the city where board surfing is permitted in season
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Common questions
How is this different from the other Rockaway Refresh sessions?
Same program, different block. Beach 97th is the busiest concession and surf area, while the Beach 20th and Beach 59th sites are quieter residential stretches.
Is there food nearby?
Yes — Beach 97th is the main concession row on the boardwalk, so there are food and drink options steps away.
Do I need to register?
No. Check in with the NYC Parks crew on the boardwalk when you arrive.
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