Foundation’s mission is
to protect Sandy Hook
Group’s president
supportive of fort
restoration plan
VERONICA YANKOWSKI Sandy Hook Foundation President Ray Cosgrove stands in front of the Sandy Hook Lighthouse, the oldest working lighthouse in the nation.
Recognized as the official friends group by the National Park Ser-vice, Sandy Hook Foundation Inc. is a supportive partner in raising funds and creating activities at Sandy Hook, a national park under the umbrella of Gateway National Recreation Area.
"We are so fortunate to have the national park experience in our own area," said Raymond Cosgrove, who has been the foundation’s president for six years. "A lot of people don’t realize that Sandy Hook is a national park."
As such, the Hook is federally funded and part of a system that "includes all the great parks in the nation, such as Yellowstone," Cosgrove said. What is special about the Hook, though, is that it’s an urban national park, located in the midst of neighborhoods. "Most of the others are not as easily accessible," he said.
In existence for about 14 years now, the nonprofit organization’s mission is "protecting Sandy Hook and historic Fort Hancock for future generations. The foundation is committed to service in the public interest and to the preservation of Sandy Hook in such a manner that it enhances the quality of life in the local community and in our larger national society."
"Our mission is in keeping with that of the National Park Service, to protect and preserve this treasure trove of history and wildlife on land," said Cosgrove.
In line with that belief, the group hones in on attracting and anchoring support for cultural, educational, environmental and conservation programs. "Our free summer concert series is the most successful in the area, bringing in 2,000 to 4,000 people on Wednesday nights starting in June and throughout the summer," Cosgrove said.
The foundation also focuses on specific historic restoration projects such as the refurbishment of the lighthouse keeper’s quarters for Sandy Hook lighthouse.
"It’s the oldest operating lighthouse in the nation," Cosgrove said. "We’re very proud of the work that’s been done on the lighthouse keeper’s residence. It’s a cherished, integral part of the area’s history."
The 103-foot-tall, octagonal lighthouse was operated by the British in the pre-Revolutionary War period. Its original operators were New York shipping merchants, Cosgrove said. The restoration should be finished by 2003.
Another of the foundation’s pet projects is the restoration of the Sandy Hook theater, which has been a venue for various cultural organizations, as well as Henry Hudson High School, Highlands, which doesn’t have its own theater.
Well over $100,000 has been raised via fund-raisers and activities to revamp the theater. "At this point it’s a self-sustaining project," said Cosgrove.
Another project on the front burner for the organization is working with the park service to restore the Hook’s firehouse building for use as an exhibit and sales facility, with other uses to be explored.
Concerning fund raising, Cosgrove made it clear that all money garnered by the group is to supplement government funding, and to support programs and projects. All of those projects are to be in keeping with the group’s and the National Park Service’s mission. Goals are to be consistent with park service requests as well, Cosgrove added.
On the subject of the pending restoration of 36 buildings on Fort Hancock, including Officers Row houses, by developer Sandy Hook Partners, Cosgrove said he supports the conceptual plan in that it proposes to keep the original function of the fort intact.
The particulars of the project include bringing the one-time military base back to life by honing in on hospitality, educational and office uses with a minor portion commercial use. The old Officers Club would become a restaurant, and the building known as the "Mule Barn" would become a pub.
"At one time the fort was a thriving military base with 10,000 people. This will bring it back to the function it was intended for, and at the same time rehabilitate truly historical structures," Cosgrove said.
"I think the proposed project is a great one," he said. "It’s in keeping with the National Park Service’s mission, and I do not think the commercial end is in any way intrusive. It’s very minor and there is no retail. There are many guidelines that must be worked within to protect the natural resources of the park. It’s a National Park Service requirement.
"As far as the few commercial aspects, don’t forget there was once a bustling base with an Officers Club in full swing at Fort Hancock. All of Sandy Hook is a true treasure to be enjoyed by everyone," he said.
The foundation hosts an annual golf outing to benefit its endeavors. This year it will be at Bamm Hollow Country Club, Middletown, on April 29 at noon and will include lunch, golf and dinner.
For more information about the foundation or the golf outing, call (732) 291-7733.