Tobay Beach facts for kids

Tobay Beach is a fun place to visit on Jones Beach Island in Nassau County, New York. It's a special beach owned by the Town of Oyster Bay. The name "Tobay" comes from "Town of Oyster Bay." Usually, only people who live in the Town of Oyster Bay can go to this beach, but sometimes others can visit too.

Discovering Tobay Beach: A Look at Its Past

Tobay Beach first opened to the public between 1926 and 1949. The Town of Oyster Bay has always owned and managed it. In June 1949, the famous actress Marilyn Monroe even had a photoshoot there! Back then, the beach was mostly known for its boat marina.

Making the Beach Better for Visitors

In the 1960s, more people moved to the town, so Tobay Beach became more welcoming. The parking lot grew much larger, and a main building with restrooms was built. The sandy shoreline was also made bigger.

Changes to the Entrance and Roads

The way you enter the beach from Ocean Parkway was changed in the 1970s. It used to be a round traffic circle. Now, cars coming from the east have to use a special turnaround about 2,000 feet away to get to the entrance.

Modern Upgrades and Fun Features

The beach got even more improvements in the 1980s. A place for helicopters was added, and a big welcome sign was put up. The parking lot was also made even longer. In 1989, the town started working to protect the sand dunes from being washed away by the ocean.

In recent years, Tobay Beach has continued to get better! In 2008, the boat marina reached its current size. A cool spray park opened in 2009, and new places to eat were added in 2010. A miniature golf course opened a year later.

When Joseph Saladino became the Town Supervisor in 2017, he made some changes. He updated the food places and replaced the miniature golf course with more space for dining. In 2019, the spray park was completely redesigned. A new fitness area and a playground were also added for everyone to enjoy.

Tobay Beach During the Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tobay Beach stayed open. However, only half the usual number of people were allowed in. Visitors also had to wear face coverings and stay a safe distance from others. The beach hours were shorter for a few months. To help people know how crowded the beach was, a live camera view was put on the beach's website.

Exploring Tobay Beach: What You'll Find

You can get to Tobay Beach by driving on Ocean Parkway. It's located east of Jones Beach State Park and west of West Gilgo Beach. It's also right near the border between Nassau and Suffolk County.

Fun Activities and Facilities

Tobay Beach has lots of things to do! You'll find four pavilions and five food stands where you can grab a bite. There are special areas for surfing and soft boarding. If you want to have a meal outdoors, there's a picnic area too.

The beach also has a large marina with space for 150 boats along South Oyster Bay. Near the parking lot, there's a playground and a fitness area. The spray park is a favorite spot, with its own food stand, a water playground, and many water toys to splash around with!