Please join us for the Construction Completion Celebration of Living Breakwaters! Festivities include a variety of free activities for the public, including lunch, kayaking, interactive kids’ activities, a self-guided shorewalk, and exhibits from community partners. All are welcome -- reserve your free ticket today! (Please RSVP for lunch, kayaking, or general attendance with no lunch or kayak included.)

Living Breakwaters is a state-of-the-art blue-green infrastructure project designed to reduce risk to Tottenville’s shoreline, enhance harbor ecosystems, and support education and stewardship across Staten Island and Raritan Bay. This event brings friends and supporters of the project together to celebrate over a decade of community engagement, design, and construction of Living Breakwaters.

LUNCH + FAMILY ACTIVITIES: There will be a clambake style lunch and hot dogs, as well as interactive kids’ activities, a self-guided shorewalk, and exhibits from community partners. Please feel free to bring your own sand-and-water-friendly gear since we will be gathering at the beach.

KAYAKING: Group kayak tours of the Living Breakwaters will be available concurrently during the event. Guided by our friends from Kayak Staten Island, this opportunity offers a closer look at the breakwaters! No experience is necessary, but please only participate if you are in good physical condition and read below for more information.

*The Kayak activity will be guided by Kayak Staten Island with a minimum 100’ buffer distance from the breakwaters and in-water equipment.

Kayak Activity Details (PLEASE READ):

Minimum Age: 12 years old +

Attire: Active wear and sturdy shoes (anti-slip if possible) that may get wet

Bring/Don’t bring: Kayakers might find sunscreen, water, waterproof phone case, towel, and a change of dry clothes to come in handy. However, anything brought onto kayaks may get wet/lost. Belongings may be left on shore, but event organizers will not be held responsible for any lost personal items on shore or in the water.

Kayak Staten Island will provide tandem kayaks, life vests, and waivers onsite. You may review waivers/fill out prior to the event HERE.

Approximate length of paddling: There will be (2) rounds of tours at approximately (1) hour of paddling time each. Please only sign up if you are in good physical condition and feel comfortable paddling the estimated duration. Group kayak tours will leave shore at 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm and will be on a first-come first-serve basis upon completion of the waiver.

PARKING/COMMUTING: Parking at the meeting point (850 Page Ave) is limited and carpooling is highly encouraged. Additional parking is available at Southshore Swim Club Parking Lot at 6736 Hylan Blvd (15 min. walk to our meeting point). Parking on Ottavio Promenade and surrounding streets is not allowed. The event is also accessible via the SIM2, SIM26, S78, and S59 buses, or a 40 min. walk from Tottenville SIR station.