After Superstorm Sandy devastated the Rockaway Peninsula, New York City looked to restore the area and rethink the possibilities through a new design. WXY took on the full 5.5-mile boardwalk, approaching it as a civic spine that could withstand future storms while reconnecting neighborhoods to the ocean.

The design raises the structure above the 100-year floodplain and integrates it with a resilient system of planted dunes and over four miles of retaining walls. Along its length, the boardwalk features a 40-foot-wide path made from sand-colored concrete, wave-cast and speckled with tumbled glass to reflect the shifting coastline. Large blue planks spell out “ROCKAWAY,” a landmark legible from above and a statement of presence for the community it serves.

Access points were redesigned for inclusivity and ease with straight landside ramps built with recycled glass aggregate and oceanside decks with curved ramps made of plastic lumber. The reconstructed boardwalk also creates a continuous bike path that connects the Rockaways from end to end without crossing car traffic.

We grounded our design decisions in dialogue with residents, agency partners, and community leaders. WXY held hands-on workshops, including a tactile demonstration where community members had the opportunity to walk barefoot on proposed concrete samples to assess comfort. Local skepticism around materials, layout, and programming helped shape the final plan. The effort extended beyond design to local empowerment, with programs like Shore Corps providing youth with climate resilience training through the Dune Enhancement Plan. Rather than impose a solution, the team created a toolkit shaped by local knowledge and needs.

Today, the Rockaway Boardwalk is a symbol of both recovery and renewal. With more than 5.5 miles of elevated, ADA-accessible, storm-resilient infrastructure, it welcomes millions of New Yorkers and visitors annually. The continuous bike path enhances mobility and safety, while reused wood planks from the former boardwalk offer seating and a tangible connection to the past. The design strengthens not only the coastline but also the neighborhood economy, helping drive tourism and local business growth. The project reflects the vision of a community determined to build back with pride, purpose, and a plan that lasts.