ORCHARD BEACH BATHHOUSE, Pelham Bay Park

by Kevin Walsh

Aymar Embury’s Orchard Beach Bathhouse is marvelously preserved since 1936, when the entire Orchard Beach complex was created in Pelham Bay Park by BYC Parks Commissioner Robert Moses. The  new beach comprised 115 acres of previously unused waterfront, and was built in large part by over 4000 laborers under the auspices of the new Works Progress Administration — the largest WPA project to date.

The bathhouse, built in a Modern Classical style, features  blue terra cotta tiling and views of Long Island Sound on its upper level.

Also in this shot, note the original 1936 lightpost. Similar lamps are also used on the Riis Park boardwalk in Queens, another WPA project directed by Moses.

9/23/14

3 comments

Jim S. September 23, 2014 - 12:16 pm

So why is it closed off by fencing that appears to be at least 8 feet high?

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Ken Buettner September 28, 2014 - 7:33 pm

While it is well preserved, it is much in need of repair and restoration. Recent reports suggest that portions of the facade require immediate attention.

Reply
Madelyn Sanchez January 8, 2019 - 9:10 am

It would be nice while renovating orchard beach, to make the restaurant looking like Puerto Rico,with bamboo roofs,a pool ,sprinklers looking like palm trees on at least 6 sections of beach,so when the sand is very hot childrens can stay close to the boardwalk, the pavilion can be shops,spa,nail and beauty salon,hey it would be awesome,

Reply

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