Crescent Beach expected to reopen for swimming this summer

After more than 15 years of swimming restrictions, Crescent Beach in Glen Cove is expected to reopen this summer following conditional approval from the Nassau County Department of Health, city officials announced. A news conference discussing the reopening is scheduled for May 15.
The beach has been closed to swimming since 2009 because of elevated bacteria levels linked to runoff and contamination from a nearby feeder stream. While residents were still allowed to use the beach for sunbathing and recreation, swimming was prohibited for years as officials worked to improve water quality.
According to the county health department, recent testing conducted in 2024 and 2025 showed improved water conditions after years of environmental remediation and infrastructure upgrades. The county’s approval allows the city to reopen the beach this summer, though the reopening comes with several strict conditions.
Mayor Pamela Panzenbeck said the reopening is meaningful for many residents who grew up visiting Crescent Beach with their families.
“Crescent Beach has been part of my life for as long as I can remember — from going there as a kid to bringing my own children years later,” Panzenbeck said. “Seeing it reopen really means a lot. It’s a place for families, for memories.”

Under county health department guidelines, the beach must close immediately if bacteria levels rise above acceptable limits or if the nearby stream is found draining directly into the swimming area. Warning signs notifying visitors about elevated bacteria risks must also remain posted near the stream.
Rainfall will continue to play a major role in beach operations. Health officials issue advisories after more than a half-inch of rain within a 24-hour period because runoff can temporarily increase bacteria levels in the water.
Over the years, local and county officials implemented numerous remediation projects aimed at restoring the beach’s water quality. Those efforts included replacing failing septic systems, installing Helix filtration systems, creating new conduits for the stream and adding natural plantings designed to absorb bacteria and improve drainage.
Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton helped secure nearly $1 million in funding for the environmental work and called the reopening a major accomplishment for the community.
“Reopening Crescent Beach has been my personal goal for the last 17 years,” DeRiggi-Whitton said in a statement. “I am thrilled that the residents of Glen Cove will be able to fully enjoy it for generations to come.”