View source for Orchard Beach (Bronx)

{{Short description|Public beach in the Bronx, New York}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2025}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2018}}
{{Infobox landform
| name              = Orchard Beach
| other_name        =
| photo             = File:Orchardbeachny2.jpg
| photo_width       =
| photo_alt         =
| photo_caption     = Panoramic view of Orchard Beach, facing from the bathhouse pavilion
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| relief            =
| label             =
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| mark              =
| marker_size       =
| location          = [[The Bronx, New York]]
| grid_ref          =
| grid_ref_UK       =
| grid_ref_Ireland  =
| coordinates       = {{coord|40.8673|-73.7925|display=it|region:US-NY_type:landmark}}
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| range             =
| part_of           =
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| area              = {{convert|115|acre|ha|adj=on}}
| length            = {{convert|1.1|mi|km}}
| formed_by         =
| type              = Beach
| free_label_1      = Patrolled by
| free_data_1       = [[New York City Department of Parks and Recreation]]
| free_label_2      = Hazard rating
| free_data_2       =
| free_label_3      = Public transit access
| free_data_3       = '''[[New York City Bus|Bus]]:''' {{NYC bus link|Bx12|Bx29}}
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'''Orchard Beach''' (sometimes called the Bronx Riviera) is the only public [[beach]] in the [[New York City borough]] of [[the Bronx]]. The {{convert|115|acre|ha|adj=on}}, {{convert|1.1|mi|km|-long|adj=mid}} beach is part of [[Pelham Bay Park]] and is situated on the western end of [[Long Island Sound]]. The beach consists of a 13-section sandy shorefront, a hexagonal-block promenade, and a central pavilion with food stores and specialty shops. The recreational facilities include two playgrounds, two picnic areas, a large parking lot, and 26 courts for basketball, volleyball, and handball. It is operated by the [[New York City Department of Parks and Recreation]].

Orchard Beach was built as part of Pelham Bay Park and was originally located on the eastern shore of [[Rodman's Neck]] peninsula. In the 1930s, New York City parks commissioner [[Robert Moses]] announced a project to expand Orchard Beach northward by connecting several islands in Pelham Bay Park via landfill. The expanded beach was dedicated in 1936 and opened in 1937, along with its pavilion and concession stands. Renovations to the beachfront were made in subsequent years. Sand was restored to the beach in 1964 and again in 1995. The promenade and bathhouse were designated as a city landmark by the [[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission]] in 2006.

==Description==
[[File:Pelham Bay Park (2547803421).jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|Orchard Beach promenade, built in the 1930s]]
Orchard Beach is in the eastern section of Pelham Bay Park in the northeastern Bronx<ref name="park-map">{{Cite map|url=http://pelhambaypark.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/F-of-PBP-map.pdf|title=Pelham Bay Park Map|publisher=Friends of Pelham Bay Park|date=February 2014|access-date=October 5, 2017|archive-date=March 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321004610/http://pelhambaypark.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/F-of-PBP-map.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="NYC Parks Orchard Beach" /> and is the Bronx's only public beach.{{sfn|Jackson|2010|p=958}}  An icon of the Bronx, Orchard Beach is sometimes called the Bronx Riviera{{sfn|Jackson|2010|p=958}}<ref>{{cite news|date=August 20, 2013|title=HuffPost Arts & Culture: Bronx Riviera Photos Perfectly Capture New York's Summer Spirit|work=Huffington Post|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/20/bronx-riviera_n_3781903.html|access-date=March 25, 2014|archive-date=March 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140326024653/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/20/bronx-riviera_n_3781903.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author=Lawrence, Wayne|title=Orchard Beach: The Bronx Riviera|date=October 2013|publisher=Prestel Publishing}}</ref><ref name="guardian">{{cite news|date=October 14, 2013|title=The Bronx Riviera: Life at the 'Hood Beach' – in Pictures|work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2013/oct/14/photography-art-wayne-lawrence-bronx-riviera|access-date=June 6, 2018|archive-date=January 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190127064603/https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2013/oct/14/photography-art-wayne-lawrence-bronx-riviera|url-status=live}}</ref> or Hood Beach.<ref name="guardian" /> The {{convert|1.1|mi|km|adj=mid|-long}}, {{convert|115|acre|ha|adj=on}}{{sfn|Jackson|2010|p=957–958}} beach faces the [[Long Island Sound]] and is laid out in a crescent shape with a width of {{Convert|200|ft|m}} during high tide.{{sfn|Caro|1974|p=508}} The modern beach was designed by [[Aymar Embury II]], working with consulting landscape architects [[Gilmore David Clarke]] and Michael Rapuano.<ref name="nyt20000709" /><ref name="Robins p. 211">{{harvnb|Robins|2017|p=211|ps=.}}</ref>

Orchard Beach contains a {{Convert|1400|ft|m|-long|adj=mid}}, {{Convert|250|ft|m|-wide|adj=mid}} center mall connecting the bathhouses and boating lagoon. At the time of opening, there were also nine baseball diamonds, seven football fields, 32 tennis courts, a children's playground, and a [[field house]].<ref name="nyt19370613" /> When the beach opened it contained a pavilion with two bathhouses, as well as a cafeteria, a small-boat lagoon, a 5,400-person locker and dressing facility, and two parking lots with a collective 8,000 spots.<ref name="nyt19370613" /><ref>{{Cite press release|title=Interesting Places in the Parks of New York City|date=1937|publisher=New York City Department of Parks and Recreation|access-date=January 6, 2021|url=http://nyc.gov/html/records/pdf/govpub/41901937_press_releases.pdf|at=PDF p. 125|archive-date=January 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111205738/http://nyc.gov/html/records/pdf/govpub/41901937_press_releases.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The beach could host up to 100,000 bathers simultaneously;{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|p=9}} the bathhouses alone could fit six or seven thousand bathers.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|p=9}}<ref name="Public Works Manual 1998"/> The modern beach contains the Orchard Beach Nature Center, as well as two playgrounds, some basketball courts, some handball courts, and three tennis courts.<ref name="park-map" />{{sfn|Ultan|Olson|2015|pp=67, 70–71}}

South of the beach is a {{convert|25|acre|ha|adj=on}} meadow that hosts the only known population of the [[moth]] species ''[[Amphipoea erepta|Amphipoea erepta ryensis]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Overview|url=http://pelhambaypark.org/?page_id=71|access-date=October 11, 2017|website=Friends of Pelham Bay Park|archive-date=October 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012094918/http://pelhambaypark.org/?page_id=71|url-status=live}}</ref>{{sfn|New York City Parks Department|1987|p=4}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Teltsch|first=Kathleen|date=November 17, 1990|title=Urban Gift: Wilderness Regained|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/11/17/nyregion/urban-gift-wilderness-regained.html|access-date=October 12, 2017|work=The New York Times|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=February 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206123404/http://www.nytimes.com/1990/11/17/nyregion/urban-gift-wilderness-regained.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Another population formerly existed in [[Rye, New York|Rye]], Westchester County.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Common Name: A Noctuid Moth; Scientific Name: Amphipoea Erepta Ryensis|url=http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/spcnbuttermoths.pdf|access-date=October 12, 2017|publisher=[[New York State Department of Environmental Conservation]]|pages=1–2|archive-date=March 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170320200851/http://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/spcnbuttermoths.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=2017|title=Online Conservation Guide for Amphipoea Erepta Ryensis|url=http://www.acris.nynhp.org/guide.php?id=8092|access-date=October 12, 2017|publisher=New York Natural Heritage Program|archive-date=October 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013013525/http://www.acris.nynhp.org/guide.php?id=8092|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Bathhouse===
The bathhouse, designed by Embury, is composed of a raised plaza flanked by two pavilions to the north and south.<ref name="nyt20130127">{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/27/nyregion/exploring-sand-and-architecture-at-pelham-bay-park.html|title=Exploring Sand and Architecture at Pelham Bay Park|last=Smith|first=Sarah Harrison|date=2013|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 2, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002120808/http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/27/nyregion/exploring-sand-and-architecture-at-pelham-bay-park.html|url-status=live}}</ref>{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|p=1}} From the mall on the west, a broad staircase rises to the raised plaza.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|pp=10–11}} The raised plaza contains bluestone tile pavements. The center of the plaza originally had a large fountain, which was removed in 1941 and replaced with a compass made of granite, bluestone, and slate. At the eastern end of the plaza is a curving concrete wall, with two staircases to the north and south, which lead to a lower terrace and the beachfront promenade. The staircases contain granite steps and concrete balustrades.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|p=11}} The lower terrace, east of the pavilions, had trees as well as a dance floor and a bandstand that were later removed.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|p=9}} The lower terrace level contains concession windows beneath the curved wall of the raised plaza.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|p=12}}

The pavilions are made mostly in red brick and concrete, with various details made of stone, terracotta, and metal. The ground story of each pavilion is at the level of the beach, while the second story is at the same level as the raised entry plaza.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|pp=11–12}} Each pavilion has a rectangular, concrete waiting structure facing the entry plaza. There are tall openings on all sides of each waiting structure, with metal grilles in the upper portions of each opening. Inside each pavilion are [[terrazzo]] floors. The viewing balconies originally contained brass lighting, benches, and telephone booths.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|p=11}} There are blue and white tiles inside the pavilions;<ref name="Robins p. 212">{{harvnb|Robins|2017|p=212|ps=.}}</ref> the lowest {{convert|6|ft}} of each pavilion's walls are clad with blue tiles. The remainders of the walls, as well as the ceilings, are made of concrete.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|p=11}}

The waiting structures connect to outdoor concourses that slope down toward the former locker rooms. Adjacent to each concourse are one-story concrete buildings, which originally distributed towels, bathing suits, and other swim gear. The concessions windows of these one-story structures contain several metal roll-down gates as well as steel canopies.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|pp=11–12}} At the end of each concourse, there is a freestanding brick barrier with a semicircular niche that originally housed a fountain. Access to the locker rooms was through either side of each brick barrier. The locker wings contain brick walls and also contain exits facing the promenade to the east.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|pp=12–13}}

East of the waiting structures and locker areas, each pavilion contains curved [[loggia]]s facing the beach to the east. The loggias are supported by square concrete columns supporting concrete [[frieze]]s.<ref name="Robins p. 212" />{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|p=12}} The friezes carry a [[Greek fret]] motif.<ref name="Robins p. 212" /> Inside each loggia are viewing balconies with terrazzo floors and ornamental iron handrails.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|p=12}} These viewing balconies contain blue-tiled walls, similar to those in the waiting structures, although these walls contain portholes at regular intervals.<ref name="Robins p. 212" />{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|p=12}} Spiral stairs from the viewing balconies lead down to the beach levels.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|p=12}} The ground levels of the curved loggias are made of brick [[segmental arch]]es.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|pp=11–12}}

===Promenade===
For its entire length, the beach is also fronted by a {{Convert|50|ft|m|-wide|adj=mid}} [[Esplanade|promenade]] with hexagonal gray tiles.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|pp=2, 9}} Four brick utility buildings were built along the promenade: two each to the north and south of the bathhouse pavilion.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|p=9}} The utility buildings are set back from the promenade. There are metal railings, cast-iron lampposts, concrete water fountains, and benches along the promenade's length. Polygonal-shaped platforms are at each end of the promenade.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|p=13}} At the north end of the promenade is a fence that separates the promenade's end from a rock shelf. The shoreline then curves north, following the old boundary of the former Twin Islands.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Gray|first=Christopher|date=February 2, 1992|title=Sunday Outing; Boulders, Sand, Treasure and Silence In That Faraway Land Called the Bronx|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/02/02/news/sunday-outing-boulders-sand-treasure-silence-that-faraway-land-called-bronx.html|access-date=October 3, 2017|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 3, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003225831/http://www.nytimes.com/1992/02/02/news/sunday-outing-boulders-sand-treasure-silence-that-faraway-land-called-bronx.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==History==

=== Creation ===
[[File:Orchard Beach - Pelham Bay Park - The Bronx.jpg|thumb|right|Aerial view of Orchard Beach]]

[[File:Campsite, Orchard Beach, The Bronx -- 1912 (51655299760).jpg|thumb|Campsite in 1912]]
The New York City government acquired the land for Pelham Bay Park in 1887, and the park was officially established in 1888.<ref>{{cite book|title=Laws of the State of New York: Passed at the Session of the Legislature|series=Laws of New York |date=1888|publisher=New York State Legislature|via=HathiTrust|url=https://hdl.handle.net/2027/nyp.33433090742036?urlappend=%3Bseq=710|access-date=October 16, 2017|pages=693–696|hdl=2027/nyp.33433090742036?urlappend=%3Bseq=710|archive-date=May 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508234737/https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=nyp.33433090742036;seq=710;a=zoom:1|url-status=live}}</ref> In early 1902, in order to accommodate vacationers, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation removed two former houses in Pelham Bay Park and used the remaining wood to build free bathhouses, which were used by about 700 bathers per day during that summer.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://home2.nyc.gov/html/records/pdf/govpub/4299annual_report_nyc_dept_parks_1902_part2.pdf |title=1902 New York City Department of Public Parks Annual Report (Part 2) |date=1902 |website=[[Government of New York City|nyc.gov]] |publisher=[[New York City Department of Parks and Recreation]] |access-date=January 13, 2017 |archive-date=January 16, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116155658/http://home2.nyc.gov/html/records/pdf/govpub/4299annual_report_nyc_dept_parks_1902_part2.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{rp|116 (PDF p.85)}} Around 1903, the nearby [[Hunter Island (Bronx)|Hunter Island]] became a popular summer vacation destination.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://home2.nyc.gov/html/records/pdf/govpub/4080annual_report_nyc_dept_parks_1903.pdf|title=1903 New York City Department of Public Parks Annual Report|date=1903|website=[[Government of New York City|nyc.gov]]|publisher=[[New York City Department of Parks and Recreation]]|pages=88–89|access-date=January 13, 2017|archive-date=January 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170116155136/http://home2.nyc.gov/html/records/pdf/govpub/4080annual_report_nyc_dept_parks_1903.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="NYC Parks Orchard Beach" />

Due to overcrowding on Hunter Island, NYC Parks opened a campsite in 1905 at [[Rodman's Neck]] southwest of the island, with 100 bathhouses.<ref name="NYC Parks Orchard Beach">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/pelham-bay-park/highlights/12110|title=Orchard Beach|publisher=[[New York City Department of Parks and Recreation]]|language=en|access-date=October 2, 2017|archive-date=November 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161120150614/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/pelham-bay-park/highlights/12110|url-status=live}}</ref>{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|p=3}}<ref>{{Cite report|title=Pelham Bay Park: History|date=1986|publisher=[[Government of New York City|City of New York]]|location=New York City|pages=2, 11–12}}</ref><ref name="NYC Parks Annual Report 1906">{{Cite web|url=http://home2.nyc.gov/html/records/pdf/govpub/4101annual_report_nyc_dept_parks_1906.pdf|title=1906 New York City Department of Public Parks Annual Report|date=1906|website=[[Government of New York City|nyc.gov]]|publisher=[[New York City Department of Parks and Recreation]]|pages=87–88|access-date=January 13, 2017|archive-date=February 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211051419/http://home2.nyc.gov/html/records/pdf/govpub/4101annual_report_nyc_dept_parks_1906.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> At the time, Orchard Beach was a tiny recreational area on the northeast tip of Rodman's Neck.{{sfn|Caro|1974|p=366}} Orchard Beach was extended by {{convert|400|ft|m}} that year, doubling capacity, and a "comfort station" or restroom was added.<ref name="NYC Parks Annual Report 1906" /> By 1912, Orchard Beach saw an average of 2,000 visitors on summer weekdays and 5,000 visitors on summer weekends.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|p=3}} The beach was a popular destination for summer vacationers.<ref name="Robins p. 211" />

===Robert Moses expansion===
The current Orchard Beach recreational area was created through the efforts of [[Robert Moses]] in 1934, and was built along with the Split Rock golf course.<ref name="nyt19340211" /><ref name="nyt20000709" /> [[Fiorello H. La Guardia|Fiorello La Guardia]] had become the mayor of New York City and named Moses as the city's Parks Commissioner.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Dp0YAAAAYAAJ|title=Robert Moses: Builder for Democracy|last=Rodgers|first=Cleveland|publisher=Henry Holt and Co.|year=1952|edition=1|page=82|language=en|access-date=March 13, 2021|archive-date=May 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210531044400/https://books.google.com/books?id=Dp0YAAAAYAAJ|url-status=live}}</ref> Immediately after his position was announced, Moses ordered engineers to inventory every park in the city to see what needed renovating.{{sfn|Caro|1974|p=364}} He devised plans for a new Orchard Beach recreation area after he saw the popularity of the Hunter Island campsite.<ref name="NYC Parks Orchard Beach" /> At the time, the beach was a narrow [[Shoal|sand bar]] connecting Hunter Island and Rodman's Neck. There was a retaining wall behind the sand bar, and [[Breakwater (structure)|breakwaters]] allowed water from the Long Island Sound to pass through the sand bar. The retaining wall frequently flooded at high tide, which made the sand bar effectively unusable most of the time.{{sfn|Caro|1974|p=364}} There were approximately 600 families using the bungalows near the sand bar, as well as {{Convert|30|ft|m|-high|adj=mid}} bathhouses made of granite pavers.{{sfn|Caro|1974|p=363}}

On February 28, 1934, Moses announced a plan for an upgraded beach at Pelham Bay, which had been inspired by the design of [[Jones Beach State Park|Jones Beach]] on [[Long Island]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9D00E5D81F3DE23ABC4051DFB466838F629EDE|title=New 'Jones Beach' Planned in Bronx; Moses Wants Model Resort at Pelham Bay Park – Orders CWA Work Razed.|date=February 28, 1934|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 7, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=May 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509134849/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/02/28/archives/new-jones-beach-planned-in-bronx-moses-wants-model-resort-at-pelham.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The beach would be reconstructed through the [[Works Progress Administration]] (WPA) under the 1930s [[New Deal]] program, along with another project to construct the nearby Pelham Bay Golf Course.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|p=2}}<ref name="nyt19340211">{{cite news|title=The New Deal for the Parks Outlined by Their Director; Commissioner Moses Would Develop the City's Recreation Areas And Then Coordinate Them With the State Park System By|date=February 11, 1934|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1934/02/11/archives/the-new-deal-for-the-parks-outlined-by-their-director-commissioner.html|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 2, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612165652/https://www.nytimes.com/1934/02/11/archives/the-new-deal-for-the-parks-outlined-by-their-director-commissioner.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1935/09/22/85188187.pdf|title=Work Relief Booms Parks; Moses Pushes Program to Expand Greatly the Present Facilities for Recreation|date=September 22, 1935|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 7, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=May 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508234728/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1935/09/22/85188187.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false|url-status=live}}</ref>  Moses canceled 625 camping leases in March 1934 so the beach could be built on the land.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1934/03/07/93753725.pdf|title=Park Camps to Go, Moses Announces; 625 Leases at Orchard Beach Will Be Canceled, He Says, To End 'Fine Mess' There|date=March 7, 1934|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 2, 2017|language=en}}</ref> Most of the campers were connected to the [[Tammany Hall]] political structure that had ruled the city at one point.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|p=7}} Campers protested to the mayor but to no avail.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1934/03/25/94505491.pdf|title=Ousted Campers Appeal to Mayor; Orchard Beach Group Urges Moses Order Be Rescinded, At Least for This Summer|date=March 25, 1934|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 2, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=May 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509134851/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1934/03/25/94505491.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false|url-status=live}}</ref> Campers subsequently filed a lawsuit against the city, which concerned Moses's right to cancel the leases. The courts ruled in favor of the city in May 1934,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1934/05/16/94528093.pdf|title=Moses Is Upheld in Park Camp Ban; Court Refuses to Interfere in Razing of 625 Bungalows at Orchard Beach|date=May 16, 1934|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 7, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=May 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508234729/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1934/05/16/94528093.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false|url-status=live}}</ref> and the site was cleared of campers in June.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1934/06/12/95048193.pdf|title=Moses Wins Again in Row Over Camps; Clearing of Orchard Beach Sites Is Begun|date=June 12, 1934|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 2, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=May 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508234730/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1934/06/12/95048193.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Pelham Bay Park (2548628412).jpg|thumb|left|Facing south]]

To make the beach longer and more perfectly crescent-shaped, Moses decided that Hunter Island and the [[Twin Island (Bronx)|Twin Islands]] be connected to Rodman's Neck by filling in most of [[LeRoy's Bay]], located west of Hunter Island.{{sfn|Caro|1974|p=366}} The deteriorated Hunter Mansion was demolished with the construction of the beach.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/pelham-bay-park/highlights/11859|title=Hunter Island|publisher=[[New York City Department of Parks and Recreation]]|language=en|access-date=October 5, 2017|archive-date=April 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160430022328/http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/pelham-bay-park/highlights/11859|url-status=live}}</ref> The beach project involved filling in approximately {{Convert|110|acre|ha}} of LeRoy's and Pelham Bays with [[landfill]],<ref name="nyt20130127" /> followed by a total of {{convert|4,000,000|yd3|m3}} of sand brought by barge from [[Sandy Hook, New Jersey]], and the [[Rockaway, Queens|Rockaway Peninsula]] in [[Queens]].{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|p=8}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/pelham-bay-park/dailyplant/8532|title=Parks' Own Polar Circle|date=February 7, 2001|website=The Daily Plant|publisher=[[New York City Department of Parks and Recreation]]|language=en|access-date=October 2, 2017|archive-date=October 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002115411/https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/pelham-bay-park/dailyplant/8532|url-status=live}}</ref> Moses had originally wanted to use sand for the new land, but thought that waste from the [[New York City Department of Sanitation]] would be cheaper to use, so the material of choice was switched to landfill.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|p=8}} Work on placing the fill began in early 1935, but officials opposed the use of garbage to fill in the land.<ref name="nyt19350528">{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1935/05/28/94614294.pdf|title=Refuse Dumping Opposed; Bronx Civic Leaders Criticize Pelham Bay Park Project.|date=May 28, 1935|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 7, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=May 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508234729/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1935/05/28/94614294.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false|url-status=live}}</ref> The landfill was placed among Rodman's Neck, the Twin Islands, and Hunter Island.<ref name="nyt19350528" /><ref name="nyt19370613" /> After the garbage began washing onto the beach through the as-yet-incomplete seawall, work on the filling operation was halted. The board allocated $500,000 ({{Inflation|index=US|value=500,000|start_year=1935|r=-5|fmt=eq}}) for {{convert|1,700,000|yd3|m3}} of sand, and the rest of the land reclamation project was done using sand from Sandy Hook and the Rockaways.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|p=8}} The sand-filling operations officially began in April 1936.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1936/04/14/87927913.pdf|title=Pelham Bay Dam Approved|date=April 14, 1936|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 7, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=May 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508234734/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1936/04/14/87927913.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false|url-status=live}}</ref> Two seawalls were built: one made of boulders on the east side of the fill facing Pelham Bay, and a smaller wall on the west side facing LeRoy's Bay, now a lagoon.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|p=8}} The fill was then landscaped with flowers, shrubs, and various genera of trees, while the naturally planted [[chestnut]], [[oak]], [[hickory]], [[black locust]], and [[black cherry]] trees on either side of the fill were kept as is.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|p=9}}

The beach was dedicated in July 1936<ref name="nyt20000709">{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/07/09/nyregion/orchard-beach-journal-slice-of-the-riviera-with-a-familiar-bronx-twist.html|title=Slice of the Riviera, With a Familiar Bronx Twist|last=Forero|first=Juan|date=July 9, 2000|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=August 15, 2009|archive-date=August 23, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090823065202/http://www.nytimes.com/2000/07/09/nyregion/orchard-beach-journal-slice-of-the-riviera-with-a-familiar-bronx-twist.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="nyt19370613" /> despite only being partially complete.{{sfn|Jackson|2010|p=958}}<ref name="nyt19360706">{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1936/07/26/87967161.pdf|title=Public Is Greeted at Orchard Beach|date=July 26, 1936|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 2, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=May 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508234730/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1936/07/26/87967161.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false|url-status=live}}</ref> The dedication attracted an estimated 18,000 beach-goers.<ref name="nyt19360706" /> Orchard Beach was set to open along with the upgraded [[Jacob Riis Park]] in Queens on June 19, 1937,<ref name="nyt19370613">{{cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1937/06/13/94388197.pdf|title=Two New Beaches to Open Saturdays; Orchard, In Pelham Bay Park, Although Not Completed, Will Be Ready for Bathers|date=June 13, 1937|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=September 4, 2017|archive-date=May 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508234729/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1937/06/13/94388197.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false|url-status=live}}</ref> but the openings were pushed back due to unfinished work.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1937/06/16/94391125.pdf|title=City Beach Openings Put Off|date=June 16, 1937|work=[[The New York Times]]|access-date=September 4, 2017|archive-date=May 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509134851/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1937/06/16/94391125.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false|url-status=live}}</ref> Both beaches were opened on June 25, 1937,<ref name="nyt-1936-07-26">{{Cite news |date=1936-07-26 |title=Public Is Greeted at Orchard Beach; Uncompleted Aquatic Center Dedicated – Mayor, Moses Exchange Thrusts |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/26/archives/public-is-greeted-at-orchard-beach-uncompleted-aquatic-center.html |access-date=2022-05-18 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=May 18, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518174359/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/07/26/archives/public-is-greeted-at-orchard-beach-uncompleted-aquatic-center.html |url-status=live }}</ref> the day after the opening of the [[Crotona Park]] Play Center.<ref name="Robins p. 211" /> The opening was marked by a fireworks display that drew 15,000 spectators.<ref name="nyt-1936-07-26" /><ref name="Robins pp. 211-212">{{harvnb|Robins|2017|pp=211–212|ps=.}}</ref> The bathhouse pavilion at Pelham Bay Park also opened that year.<ref name="nyt19370613" />{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|p=1}} Orchard Beach was completed in 1938.{{sfn|Jackson|2010|p=958}} Later that year, the bathhouse and beach were damaged by a hurricane.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|p=9}} Sewage from nearby [[City Island, Bronx|City Island]] also seeped onto the beach, and Moses was threatening to close the beach until the city agreed to build a new sewage pipe for the island.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1939/01/20/95753909.pdf|title=Moses Wins Fight to Clean Up Beach; Board Votes to Build Sewer at Orchard Beach After Hearing Threat to Close It|date=1939|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 7, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=May 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509134852/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1939/01/20/95753909.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Later changes===

==== 20th century ====
In 1939, one year after the beach was completed, there were plans to expand the beach. The southern locker room was the first to be renovated, with a {{Convert|150|ft|m|adj=on}} extension in 1939.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|p=9}}<ref name="Historical and Modern">{{Cite report|title=Historical and Modern Orchard Beach, With a Brief Resume of the Surrounding Territory|date=1960|pages=17–19}}</ref> Work was halted from 1941 to 1945 due to [[World War II]].<ref name="Historical and Modern" /> The water between Hunter and Twin Islands was filled in during 1946 and 1947, with new [[Jetty|jetties]] at each end of the beach. The promenade was extended over the fill, gaining its current hexagonal tiles as well as refurbished concession buildings.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|p=10}} The extension, opened in May 1947,<ref name="NYC Parks Orchard Beach" />{{sfn|Seitz|Miller|2011|p=132}}  consisted of {{Convert|7|acre|ha}} of new land and {{Convert|5|acre|ha}} of restored beach.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1947/05/31/87536456.pdf|title=Orchard Beach Opens Shore Line Extension|date=May 31, 1947|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 7, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=May 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220508234730/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1947/05/31/87536456.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false|url-status=live}}</ref> Further improvements were made to the bathhouse pavilion in 1952 and to the northern jetty in 1955.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|p=10}} Some ticket windows were installed in 1958,{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|pp=12–13}} and a new concession stand was added north of the pavilion in 1962.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|p=10}} The beach was renovated starting in 1964.{{sfn|30 Years of Progress: 1934–1965|p=36}}

A proposal for a 3,300-seat outdoor theater at Pelham Bay Park, replacing Orchard Beach's northern locker facility, was canceled in 1974 due to community opposition.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1974/08/25/93281062.pdf|title=City Halts Plan for Park Theater|date=August 25, 1974|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 7, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=May 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509134857/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1974/08/25/93281062.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1980, NYC Parks proposed a renovation of the beach for its 50th anniversary.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|p=10}} By then, the beach had become so rundown that there was garbage covering much of the sand, and there were prostitutes and gamblers along the promenade.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/08/27/nyregion/riviera-of-the-bronx-shines-again.html|title='Riviera of the Bronx' Shines Again|last=Rimer|first=Sara|date=August 27, 1984|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 7, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008025925/http://www.nytimes.com/1984/08/27/nyregion/riviera-of-the-bronx-shines-again.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The $1 million renovation of the pavilions ({{Inflation|index=US|value=1,000,000|start_year=1986|r=-3|fmt=eq}}) was completed by 1986. After the renovation, the pavilions contained some shops and fast food, with a nature center and museum planned for the buildings.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/07/10/nyregion/new-york-day-by-day-at-orchard-beach-updated-fare.html|title=New York Day by Day; At Orchard Beach, Updated Fare|last1=Heller Anderson|first1=Susan|date=July 10, 1986|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 7, 2017|last2=Dunlap|first2=David W.|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008030940/http://www.nytimes.com/1986/07/10/nyregion/new-york-day-by-day-at-orchard-beach-updated-fare.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1985, parts of Orchard Beach, as well as three other city beaches and [[Central Park]]'s [[Sheep Meadow]], were designated as "quiet zones" where loud radio-playing was prohibited.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31114250/|title=City Sounds Off; Sets New Beach, Park 'Quiet Zones'|last1=Melia|first1=John|date=July 26, 1985|work=New York Daily News|access-date=April 30, 2019|last2=Gentile|first2=Don|pages=354|via=Newspapers.com|archive-date=September 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200921021209/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/31114250/city-sounds-off-sets-new-beach-park/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/07/26/nyregion/radios-restricted-at-sheep-meadow-and-4-beaches.html|title=Radios Restricted at Sheep Meadow and 4 Beaches|last=Purnick|first=Joyce|date=July 26, 1985|work=The New York Times|access-date=April 30, 2019|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=April 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430221706/https://www.nytimes.com/1985/07/26/nyregion/radios-restricted-at-sheep-meadow-and-4-beaches.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

A second renovation of Orchard Beach started in 1995, with a new sand-filling project to replace the sand that had been lost since the last such project in 1964.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/03/30/nyregion/orchard-beach-may-be-getting-its-day-in-the-sun.html|title=Orchard Beach May Be Getting Its Day in the Sun|last=Walker|first=Andrea K.|date=March 30, 1997|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 7, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008130201/http://www.nytimes.com/1997/03/30/nyregion/orchard-beach-may-be-getting-its-day-in-the-sun.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Gandhi Engineering oversaw the restoration of the pavilion.<ref name="Public Works Manual 1998">{{cite book | title=Public Works Manual | publisher=Public Works Journal Corporation | year=1998 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MSNSAAAAMAAJ | access-date=2021-01-19 | page=28 | archive-date=May 9, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509134856/https://books.google.com/books?id=MSNSAAAAMAAJ | url-status=live }}</ref> Around the same time, a proposal for a water park at Orchard Beach was revealed as part of a plan to bring visitors back to the beach.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/03/14/nyregion/neighborhood-report-orchard-beach-water-park-is-in-the-works.html|title=Neighborhood Report: Orchard Beach; Water Park Is in the Works|last=Siegal|first=Nina|date=March 14, 1999|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 7, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008080511/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/03/14/nyregion/neighborhood-report-orchard-beach-water-park-is-in-the-works.html|url-status=live}}</ref> That proposal was effectively canceled in 1999 due to large opposition from City Island residents.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/04/11/nyregion/neighborhood-report-orchard-beach-update-water-park-plan-isn-t-gliding-forward.html|title=Neighborhood Report: Orchard Beach – Update; Water Park Plan Isn't Gliding Forward Now|last=Siegal|first=Nina|date=April 11, 1999|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 7, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008130801/http://www.nytimes.com/1999/04/11/nyregion/neighborhood-report-orchard-beach-update-water-park-plan-isn-t-gliding-forward.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== 21st century ====
In the mid-2000s, as part of the [[New York City bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics|city's ultimately unsuccessful bid]] for the [[2012 Summer Olympics]], several facilities in Pelham Bay Park were proposed for upgrades. The city had planned to renovate the beach's pavilion at a cost of $23 million, with the south wing being used for [[Fencing at the Summer Olympics|fencing]] and the north wing for [[Swimming at the Summer Olympics|swimming]] and [[Water polo at the Summer Olympics|water polo]].<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/gold-city-visionaries-hope-olympian-designs-bring-2012-summer-games-new-york-article-1.477936 |title=Going for the Gold: City Visionaries Hope Their Olympian Designs Bring the 2012 Summer Games to New York |last=Ingrassia |first=Michelle |date=June 30, 2002 |work=NY Daily News |access-date=October 7, 2017 |language=en |archive-date=October 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008025908/http://www.nydailynews.com/gold-city-visionaries-hope-olympian-designs-bring-2012-summer-games-new-york-article-1.477936 |url-status=live}}</ref> Both the pavilions and the beach were designated as landmarks by the [[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission]] (LPC) in 2006.{{sfn|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006|p=1}} The deteriorating {{Convert|170,000|ft2|m2|adj=on}} eastern bathhouse pavilion, which had been neglected since the 1970s,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Slattery |first=Denis |date=August 20, 2016 |title=Orchard Beach Landmark Renovation Fast-Tracked, Thanks to Newser |language=en |work=NY Daily News |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/orchard-beach-landmark-renovation-fast-tracked-thanks-newser-article-1.2759258 |access-date=October 3, 2017 |archive-date=October 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004034509/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/orchard-beach-landmark-renovation-fast-tracked-thanks-newser-article-1.2759258 |url-status=live}}</ref> was closed in 2007<ref name="nydn20170526">{{Cite news |last=Jorgensen |first=Jillian |date=May 26, 2017 |title=De Blasio: $50M to Repair Orchard Beach Pavilion in the Bronx |language=en |work=NY Daily News |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/de-blasio-50m-repair-orchard-beach-pavilion-bronx-article-1.3199126 |access-date=October 3, 2017 |archive-date=October 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004034546/http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx/de-blasio-50m-repair-orchard-beach-pavilion-bronx-article-1.3199126 |url-status=live}}</ref> and fenced off in 2009.<ref name="nyt20140404">{{Cite news |last=Foderaro |first=Lisa W. |date=April 4, 2014 |title=The People's Palaces at the Beach |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/06/nyregion/the-peoples-palaces-at-the-beach.html |access-date=October 3, 2017 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=October 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003225138/https://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/06/nyregion/the-peoples-palaces-at-the-beach.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The similarly sized west bathhouse started undergoing $7 million in repairs.<ref name="nyt20140404" /> In 2010, construction began on extending the jetty at Orchard Beach. Approximately {{convert|250,000|to|268,000|yd3|m3}} of sand were pumped onto the beach to replace sand lost over the years.<ref name="NYC Parks 2010">{{cite web |url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/news/press-releases?id=20955 |title=NYC Parks And U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers Launch $13 Million Orchard Beach Shoreline Protection Project |date=October 29, 2010 |publisher=[[New York City Department of Parks and Recreation]] |access-date=October 2, 2017 |archive-date=October 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003075737/https://www.nycgovparks.org/news/press-releases?id=20955 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="USACE 2012">{{cite web |url=http://www.nan.usace.army.mil/Media/Fact-Sheets/Fact-Sheet-Article-View/Article/487413/fact-sheet-orchard-beach/ |title=Fact Sheet – Orchard Beach > New York District > Fact Sheet Article View |date=June 26, 2012 |website=New York District |publisher=[[United States Army Corps of Engineers]] |access-date=October 2, 2017 |archive-date=October 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003081132/http://www.nan.usace.army.mil/Media/Fact-Sheets/Fact-Sheet-Article-View/Article/487413/fact-sheet-orchard-beach/ |url-status=dead}}</ref> The jetty project cost $13 million, of which the [[United States Army Corps of Engineers]] (USACE) paid $7 million and NYC Parks paid $6 million.<ref name="NYC Parks 2010" /><ref name="USACE 2012" />

Proposals to renovate Orchard Beach's bathhouse pavilions surfaced in the late 2010s,<ref name="amny20190106">{{cite web |url=https://www.amny.com/real-estate/orchard-beach-pavilion-1.25619117 |title=City to Revamp the Bronx's Orchard Beach Pavilion |last=Colangelo |first=Lisa L. |date=January 6, 2019 |website=am New York |access-date=January 7, 2019 |archive-date=January 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190107022055/https://www.amny.com/real-estate/orchard-beach-pavilion-1.25619117 |url-status=live}}</ref> and some funding was provided starting in 2016;<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brenzel |first=Kathryn |date=February 18, 2016 |title=Bronx Borough President Kickstarts $40M Redevelopment of Orchard Beach Pavilion |language=en-US |work=The Real Deal New York |url=https://therealdeal.com/2016/02/18/bronx-borough-president-kickstarts-40m-redevelopment-of-orchard-beach-pavilion/ |access-date=October 3, 2017 |archive-date=October 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003225347/https://therealdeal.com/2016/02/18/bronx-borough-president-kickstarts-40m-redevelopment-of-orchard-beach-pavilion/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The next year, $50 million had been procured to fund the full renovation of the pavilion;<ref name="nydn20170526" /><ref name="Sequeira f944">{{cite web |last=Sequeira |first=Robbie |date=December 13, 2022 |title=The Once Star Attraction of the Bronx, Orchard Beach Is Now Set for $87M Renovation |url=https://www.bxtimes.com/orchard-beach-87m-renovation/ |access-date=August 23, 2025 |website=Bronx Times}}</ref> by 2019, there was $75 million available for the renovation.<ref name="amny20190106" /><ref name="Sequeira f944" /> In mid-2020, a drive-in movie theater was set up at Orchard Beach's parking lot.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yakas |first=Ben |date=June 23, 2020 |title=Tribeca Drive-In Movie Series Coming To Orchard Beach |url=http://gothamist.com/arts-entertainment/tribeca-drive-movie-series-coming-orchard-beach |access-date=June 25, 2020 |website=Gothamist |language=en |archive-date=June 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629065957/https://gothamist.com/arts-entertainment/tribeca-drive-movie-series-coming-orchard-beach |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Sutter |first=Collier |date=June 24, 2020 |title=A Free Drive-In Movie Theater Is Opening on the Beach in NYC This Summer |url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/a-free-drive-in-movie-theater-is-opening-on-the-beach-in-nyc-this-summer-062420 |access-date=June 25, 2020 |website=Time Out New York |archive-date=June 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625090951/https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/a-free-drive-in-movie-theater-is-opening-on-the-beach-in-nyc-this-summer-062420 |url-status=live}}</ref> Plans for the renovation had been paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, but Marvel Architects resumed planning for the renovation in May 2021.<ref name="Gannon 2021">{{cite web |last=Gannon |first=Devin |date=May 5, 2021 |title=See Restoration Plans for the Historic Orchard Beach Pavilion in the Bronx |url=https://www.6sqft.com/see-restoration-plans-for-the-historic-orchard-beach-pavilion-in-the-bronx/ |access-date=May 18, 2022 |website=6sqft |archive-date=June 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621191909/https://www.6sqft.com/see-restoration-plans-for-the-historic-orchard-beach-pavilion-in-the-bronx/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="CBS News 2021" /> The work was tentatively scheduled to be finished in 2023<ref name="CBS News 2021">{{cite web |date=May 19, 2021 |title=Construction Will Start Soon On $75 Million Renovation Of Bronx's Historic Orchard Beach Pavilion |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/orchard-beach-renovation-pelham-bay-park-bronx-new-york-city-landmarks-preservation-commission/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518170408/https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/orchard-beach-renovation-pelham-bay-park-bronx-new-york-city-landmarks-preservation-commission/ |archive-date=May 18, 2022 |access-date=May 18, 2022 |website=CBS News}}</ref> or 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Orchard Beach Pavilion Renovation |url=https://marveldesigns.com/work/orchard-beach-pavilion-renovation/83}}</ref> Following an influx of [[Asylum in the United States|asylum seekers]] to New York City in mid-2022, city officials announced that September that they would construct temporary housing for asylum seekers within Orchard Beach's parking lot.<ref>{{cite web |last=McNicholas |first=Tim |title=Temporary Housing for Migrants Set up at Orchard Beach in the Bronx |website=CBS News |date=September 26, 2022 |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/orchard-beach-the-bronx-migrants-temporary-housing/ |access-date=September 28, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Moses |first=Dean |title=Tent City by the Beach: Work Starts on Migrant Center Opening Next Month in Bronx |website=amNewYork |date=September 27, 2022 |url=https://www.amny.com/new-york/bronx/tent-city-migrant-center-opening-bronx/ |access-date=September 28, 2022}}</ref> After the parking lot flooded during a minor rainstorm that October, the migrant center was relocated to [[Randalls Island]].<ref>{{cite web |title=New York City Migrant Facility on Randall's Island Set to Close |website=ABC7 New York |date=November 11, 2022 |url=https://abc7ny.com/new-york-city-migrant-facility-on-randalls-island-set-to-close-/12443233/ |access-date=November 13, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/04/nyregion/nyc-migrant-encampment-eric-adams.html |title=Tent City for Migrants to Be Moved After It Flooded From Modest Rain |first=Andy |last=Newman |date=October 4, 2022 |access-date=November 13, 2022 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

Work on the restoration of the Orchard Beach pavilion began in December 2022, at which point the project was to cost $87 million.<ref name="Sequeira f944" /><ref name="Weaver f328">{{cite web |last=Weaver |first=Shaye |date=December 28, 2022 |title=See Renderings of What the Brand New Orchard Beach Pavilion Will Look Like |url=https://www.timeout.com/newyork/news/the-orchard-beach-pavilion-is-getting-a-whole-new-look-122822 |access-date=August 23, 2025 |website=Time Out New York}}</ref> The work included new ramps and concessions, as well as repairs to the roof and the addition of trees and lamps.<ref name="Weaver f328" /><ref name="Ginsburg w877">{{cite web |last=Ginsburg |first=Aaron |date=December 14, 2022 |title=$87M Restoration of Historic Orchard Beach Pavilion Kicks off in the Bronx |url=https://www.6sqft.com/87m-restoration-of-historic-orchard-beach-pavilion-kicks-off-in-the-bronx/ |access-date=August 23, 2025 |website=6sqft}}</ref> The project's cost had increased to $100 million by mid-2024, at which point the first phase of renovation was planned to be completed in a year.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 24, 2024 |title=$87 Million Restoration of the Orchard Beach Pavilion Continues |url=https://bronx.news12.com/87-million-restoration-of-the-orchard-beach-pavilion-continues |access-date=August 23, 2025 |website=News 12 – Default}}</ref> NYC Parks and the [[New York City Economic Development Corporation]] submitted plans to the LPC in August 2025, proposing modifications to the pavilion, which included the restoration of the original design features.<ref>{{cite web |last=Marshall |first=Ethan |date=August 22, 2025 |title=Landmarks Preservation Commission Reviewing Proposed Revisions for Orchard Beach Pavilion – Bronx Times |url=https://www.bxtimes.com/landmarks-preservation-commission-revisions-orchard-beach-pavilion/ |access-date=August 23, 2025 |website=Bronx Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Gillespie |first=Max |date=August 21, 2025 |title=LPC To Review Proposal For Orchard Beach Pavilion In Pelham Bay Park |url=https://newyorkyimby.com/2025/08/lpc-to-review-proposal-for-orchard-beach-pavilion-in-pelham-bay-park-bronx.html |access-date=August 23, 2025 |website=New York YIMBY}}</ref>

==Transportation==
[[File:Orchard Beach Bus Terminal.jpg|upright=1.2|thumb|Orchard Beach Bus Terminal in 2022]]
[[MTA Regional Bus Operations]]'s [[Bx12 bus]] serves Orchard Beach during summer weekends.<ref>{{cite NYC bus|Bx12}}</ref> The [[Bx29 (New York City bus)|Bx29]] bus to City Island runs nearby year-round.<ref>{{cite NYC bus|Bx29}}</ref> The [[New York City Subway]]'s [[Pelham Bay Park station]], serving the {{NYCS trains|Pelham north}}, is across the Hutchinson River.<ref>{{cite NYC bus map|Bx}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[List of beaches in the United States]]
* [[List of New York City Designated Landmarks in the Bronx]]

{{-}}

==References==

=== Citations ===
{{Reflist}}

===Sources===
{{Commons category|Orchard Beach (Bronx)}}
* {{cite book|title=30 Years of Progress: 1934–1965|date=June 9, 1964|publisher=[[New York City Department of Parks and Recreation]]|url=https://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_about/parks_history/library/pdf/thirty_years_of_progress.pdf|access-date=March 31, 2017|ref={{sfnref|30 Years of Progress: 1934–1965}}}}
* {{Cite Power Broker}}
* {{Cite web|url=http://pelhambaypark.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Creating-the-Sanctuaries.pdf|title=Creating the Sanctuaries|date=October 11, 1987|website=Pelham Bay Park|publisher=[[New York City Department of Parks and Recreation]]|access-date=October 3, 2017|ref={{sfnref|New York City Parks Department|1987}}|archive-date=September 2, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160902191301/http://pelhambaypark.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Creating-the-Sanctuaries.pdf|url-status=dead}}
* {{Cite enc-nyc2}}
* {{Cite web|url=http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/2197.pdf|title=Orchard Beach Bathhouse and Promenade|date=June 20, 2006|website=[[Government of New York City|nyc.gov]]|publisher=[[New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission]]|access-date=October 3, 2017|ref={{sfnref|Landmarks Preservation Commission|2006}}|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142104/http://www.nyc.gov/html/lpc/downloads/pdf/reports/orchardbeach.pdf|archive-date=June 12, 2018|url-status=dead}}
* {{Cite New York Art Deco}}
* {{cite book|first1=Sharon|last1=Seitz|first2=Stuart|last2=Miller|title=The Other Islands of New York City: A History and Guide|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zRjMPZW4heMC|date=June 6, 2011|publisher=Countryman Press|isbn=978-1-58157-886-7|edition=Third}}
* {{cite book | last1=Ultan | first1=Lloyd | last2=Olson | first2=Shelley | title=The Bronx: The Ultimate Guide to New York City's Beautiful Borough | publisher=Rutgers University Press | series=Rivergate Regionals Collection | year=2015 | isbn=978-0-8135-7320-5 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OenBCQAAQBAJ | access-date=October 11, 2017}}

{{Protected Areas of New York City}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Art Deco architecture in the Bronx]]
[[Category:Beaches of the Bronx]]
[[Category:Long Island Sound]]
[[Category:New York City Designated Landmarks in the Bronx]]
[[Category:Parks in the Bronx]]
[[Category:Pelham Bay Park]]
[[Category:Robert Moses projects]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in the Bronx]]