Turner Resolves Parking Issue For Breezy Point Wounded Warriors Event

Coordinates with National Park Service To Create Approved Parking Plan

New York – Congressman Bob Turner (NY-09) worked with the National Park Service to resolve a parking issue for the upcoming Wounded Warriors event in Breezy Point, Queens.

“Our wounded warriors have made great sacrifices and paid a great price serving our country. This event provides an escape from their every day rehabilitation and the struggles they face as disabled veterans. As a Breezy resident and a veteran myself, I could not allow a parking issue get in the way of this great event,” Turner said.

Turner reached out to involved parties from the Wounded Warriors Project, Gateway National Recreation Area, and the National Park Service – the overseeing body of Gateway to resolve the issue.

“I am glad that we were able to come to an amicable solution for all parties involved. I’d like to thank Maria Burks, commissioner of the National Parks of New York Harbor for her efforts to put this plan together, and to Flip Mullen of the Wounded Warriors Project and Legends of Valor for bringing the issue to my office’s attention,” the Congressman said.

The Adaptive Water Sports Festival, commonly known as the Wounded Warrior Weekend, is an annual event for our nation’s veterans featuring a parade, a dinner cruise, and adaptive waterskiing, surfing, and other water sports. This year, more than 50 veterans are slated to participate in the annual festival which is scheduled to begin on Thursday, July 12th, and run through Sunday, July 15th.

In the past, the event has utilized the federal parking area adjacent to the Rockaway Point Yacht Club controlled by the Gateway National Recreation Area. This year, due to a communications oversight, the National Park Service initially denied access to the lot. After working with Congressman Turner, the involved parties, in consultation with the NYPD, have come to an agreement to utilize street parking along Rockaway Point Boulevard. If there are further issues, the NPS has authorized the opening of the gate to the federal lot.

NPS officials and the NYPD will be on hand throughout the event to oversee the implementation of the parking plan.

Congressman Bob Turner represents New York’s 9th Congressional district and serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, and House Committee on Homeland Security.

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