Improve Public Access

Increase and improve opportunities for everyone to access and appreciate Long Island Sound and the waters that flow into the Sound

Access to Long Island Sound and its connected waterways remains limited for many communities, particularly those along the coast of Connecticut and New York. Studies have shown that access to the Sound is often restricted by physical and financial barriers. For example, Save the Sound’s 2023 Beach Report found that in Westchester County, only five out of 23 beaches are open to the public. Other common barriers include limited parking, high entry fees for nonresidents, and inadequate public transportation.

Improving public access is essential for fostering a stronger sense of connection, belonging, and stewardship among residents. When people are able to visit and enjoy the Sound, they are more likely to appreciate its value and take actions that help protect it.

To overcome the challenges to public access, the Partnership will focus on increasing the number and quality of access points to Long Island Sound’s coastal waters and tributaries. Specifically, the Partnership aims to create 40 new public access sites and improve 60 existing ones. Of these improvements, 30 will be focused in communities that currently have limited access opportunities. Improvements will include physical upgrades—such as new paths, better facilities for people with disabilities, or safer access points—and programmatic changes that support long-term public use. The goal is to make sites more welcoming and accessible to all users, including families, individuals with disabilities, and historically underserved communities.

Progress will be measured both by meeting the numerical targets for new and improved sites and by tracking changes in how people feel about their connection to the Sound. Findings from the Public Perception Survey of Long Island Sound watershed residents will be used to evaluate whether efforts are increasing the public’s sense of belonging.

The target numbers were based on past achievements under the 2015 Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) and more recent improvements funded by the Long Island Sound Futures Fund. These targets were slightly increased to reflect both the continuing need and the Partnership’s expanded capacity for supporting access projects.

While all new sites and improvements are intended to benefit the general public, at least 50 percent of the projects will be targeted specifically to communities that have historically had fewer access opportunities.

Actions

• Collaborate with local government, environmental groups, and community leaders to increase and improve public access and a sense of belonging.
• Develop and implement projects that increase the number and quality of public access sites.
• Promote a sense of belonging at public access sites through events, festivals, celebrations, materials, and programming.

Programs