Facilities

History

Constructed in 1930, the Ponquogue Draw Bridge was the sole access to the Atlantic Ocean in the Hampton Bays area until 1986 when the new, modern, stationary bridge was constructed by Suffolk County.

The Southampton Town Board, then under the direction of Supervisor Marty Lang, petitioned Suffolk County to leave both the North and South Bridge approaches of the old bridge in place to be used for fishing access into the prime area of Shinnecock Bay.

Over the years wind, tides, and time have taken their toll on the facility and it fell into disrepair due to a lack of funding.

In 1997, Supervisor Vincent Cannuscio and the Town Board began a process to secure funding for a complete renovation of this historic fishing site. Necessary funding was obtained through the town, New York Department of State, and New York Department of Environmental Conservation to complete the project. Renovations continued under the direction of the Town Department of Parks and Recreation and the Town Trustees.

Features

The present facility offers the following types of marine recreational activity:

• Boat launch for boats up to 19 feet in length
• Scuba diving area
• Fishing access to deep water from the Shinnecock Inlet
• Picnic area, gazebo (donated by the Mark Sinclair Foundation), bird watching, water and wetland overlook
• Adequate parking for fishermen and boat trailers
• State-of-the-art handicap access for the disabled

The Old Ponquogue Bridge Marine Park is open for use 24 hours per day, year round, with permits needed from May 15 - Sept. 15.

Permit Information

• North Side Parking - No permit necessary in designated spots only
• South Side Parking and Boat Launch - Any Town Trustee Boat Launch Permit or Old Ponquogue Bridge Non-Resident Permit* or Town Parks and Recreation Full-Season Resident, Non-Resident, and Senior Citizen Permit

* A special $100 full-season, non-resident boat launch permit for this facility can be obtained through the mail by sending a check or money order, or at the Parks and Recreation Office:

6 Newtown Road

Hampton Bays, NY 11946

Ph: 631-728-8585

Permit Availability

Obtain permits at the following locations:

Parks & Recreation Department    

6 Newtown Road    

Hampton Bays, NY 11946

Availability: May 1 - Labor Day

Ponquogue Beach     

280 Dune Road    

Hampton Bays, NY 11946

Ph: 631-728-2530

Availability: During the Season

Permits are to be affixed to the driver-side rear window.

Safety Precautions

Please note this waterfront facility is available to individuals to use "at your own risk." There are no lifeguards on duty; therefore, children should be supervised at all times. Divers, boaters, and fishermen are responsible for maintaining proper safety precautions at all times.