As a New York City neighborhood, Rockaway Beach is a microcosm of the diversity that makes the Big Apple so special. Its long history is characterized by high crime rates, dilapidated public housing, and vacant lots. As a result, there is a higher concentration of elderly residents and low-income housing in Rockaway Beach. The area also has a low percentage of skyscrapers, which makes it a desirable location for low-income residents.
The 260-acre Riis Park stretches a mile along the Rockaway Peninsula. In 1913, the city acquired the land and named it after social reformer and Danish photojournalist Jacob August Riis. Its 1932 bathing pavilion had a capacity for 8,000 people. Despite these limitations, the park still draws summer crowds. In 2002, Commissioner Moses announced a $1.7 million investment to improve the park, creating a new bathing pavilion, parking field, pitch 'put golf course, and a mile-long boardwalk.
The Census Bureau reported that 81.5% of Rockaway Beach, MO residents commute by car alone. Meanwhile, 6.35 percent of the city's workforce commuted via carpool, while 5.84 percent made the trip on foot. This chart shows the percentage of households that commute by different modes of transportation over time. The data on the y-axis is on a logarithmic scale to highlight changes in smaller modes of transportation. Rockaway Beach, MO's households have one car.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said the agency was working to minimize the impact of the closure on the 2022 beach season. However, while it was not an official closure, the closures are likely to negatively affect the city's reputation as a place to visit during the summer months. The rockaway beach is an iconic destination in the city, and a large percentage of its residents visit the area on vacation.