Conference House Park runs down to Ward's Point, the southernmost land in New York State, and its beach catches everything the Raritan Bay carries in. The Blue Wave hands you a grabber and a bucket at the Satterlee Street visitor center and turns you loose — self-led, drop-in, a four-hour window — so you can give it twenty minutes or the whole morning. If you want a shoreline walk with a purpose at the actual bottom of the state, this is it.
What to expect
Start at the visitor center at 298 Satterlee Street, on the corner of Hylan Boulevard beside the parking lot, where staff hand out buckets and grabbers. From there you set your own route along the beach and the park paths, because the clean-ups are self-led and nobody marshals you into a group. Return the equipment when you are finished.
Good to know
- The visitor center at 298 Satterlee Street sits next to the parking lot and is reachable on the S59 and S78 buses
- Drop-ins are welcome and no RSVP is required, so you can arrive at any point in the window
- Wear closed shoes you do not mind getting sandy — this is a working shoreline, not a boardwalk
- Gloves are worth bringing; the park lends out the grabbers and buckets
- Suits all ages and anyone needing volunteer hours; groups should contact the South Shore programs manager in advance
- The beach itself is uneven, so wheelchairs and strollers do better on the paved paths near the visitor center
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Common questions
Do I need to sign up?
No. Blue Wave clean-ups are drop-in and self-led — walk into the visitor center, borrow the equipment and start.
Do I need my own supplies?
No. Trash grabbers and buckets are lent out at 298 Satterlee Street. Bring gloves, water and sun protection if you want them.
Can a group volunteer together?
Yes, but groups should arrange it ahead with the South Shore Parks programs and events manager listed on the NYC Parks page.
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