As a national park, Gateway belongs to all Americans. That's why the public input process was so critical to the conversation about Gateway's future.
In 2007, NPCA, Columbia University and the Van Alen Institute invited designers worldwide to play a vital role in Gateway's future by submitting their ideas to make it an iconic national park that would be a significant regional resource and environmental treasure. A variety of design entries were submitted, a diverse and esteemed jury selected 6 finalists, and now we've heard from the public, too!
For 8 months this website served as an open forum for input on the future of the park. It was an opportunity for everyone to vote on design elements and participate in an on-line dialogue about Gateway’s future. Each vote was counted, the "people's choice" design was determined, and every comment we received will be submitted to the National Park Service with the winning designs this fall so as to truly transform the area from what it is today into a world-class park.
Since its creation, Gateway’s facilities have largely been neglected. The open landscapes of Sandy Hook, Fort Tilden, and Floyd Bennett Field suffer from chronic funding shortfalls, resulting in dwindling visitor services, crumbling buildings, and threatened natural resources. New habitats, marshes, and modern recreational facilities are needed to welcome park visitors and to create an environment that is suitable for park visitors, native wildlife, and plants to flourish. Voters from around the country highlighted important issues Gateway faces, and painted a brighter future for Gateway.
NPCA is now partnering with the Regional Plan Association, which will conduct an in-depth analysis of the votes and gather some additional feedback before we present both the public’s input and the winning designs themselves to the National Park Service for potential inclusion in the next planning phase of Gateway’s General Management Plan, scheduled to begin in 2009.
Thank you to everyone who voted and shared their vision for the future of Gateway. It's your park - together we're working for its bright future.
View Preliminary Results >> View Finalist Designs >> Read Comments >> 
