Pat Auletta Steeplechase Pier

NYC BEACHES

The Tilyou family opened Steeplechase Park in 1897, marking the beginning of Coney Island's reputation as the "Nation's Playground" and the rise of modern amusement parks. Steeplechase Park got its name from it's central feature, an eight-lane mechanical horse ride on an undulating track.

In 1907 Steeplechase Park was gutted by fire and rebuilt to include this pier. After nearby Dreamland Pier was destroyed in 1911, the Iron Steamboat Company docked their paddleboats at Steeplechase Pier until 1941. The beach and pier were transferred to the Parks Department in 1938.

Steeplechase Pier collapsed in 1992 and was rebuilt in a new cross-shaped form. Popular for fishing and crabbing year round, the pier was renamed for local resident, businessman, and park activist Pat Auletta.

Hurricane Sandy damaged the pier in 2012 and it was rebuilt to include shade canopies, a raised viewing platform, and benches clad in salvaged decking. The resilient pier, measuring over 1100 feet long, remains a premiere seaside attraction.

Submitted by @lampbane