Beach 98th Street–Playland: Gateway to Rockaway Beach

The Beach 98th Street–Playland station is an elevated subway station located on the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens, New York. It serves as an important access point to Rockaway Beach and the boardwalk, especially popular during the summer months. Its location in the Rockaway Park neighborhood makes it a key stop for residents and visitors looking to enjoy the Atlantic coast.

Connections and Services

The Beach 98th Street–Playland station is a unique station that is part of the IND Rockaway Line:

Beach 98th Street–Playland (IND Rockaway Line)

• This station is an elevated local stop on the IND Rockaway Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains from the following services:
  • S (Rockaway Park Shuttle – gray)
  • A (blue – limited/seasonal service to this terminal)
• Main entrance address: Beach 98th Street and Rockaway Freeway, Queens, NY 11694

Main Service: Rockaway Park Shuttle (S)

• The main, year-round service is the Rockaway Park Shuttle (S train), which operates locally.
• This shuttle service connects with:
  • A (blue) at the Broad Channel station.
• The station has main entrances at the intersection of Beach 98th Street and Rockaway Freeway.

The S service allows passengers to connect with the A line to travel to other parts of Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan.

Importance and Location

• The station is located near the intersection of Beach 98th Street and Rockaway Freeway, in the heart of Rockaway Park, Queens.
• Its strategic location makes it a key access point to important destinations such as:

  • Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk

    • Known for its extensive sandy beaches, popular for swimming and sunbathing.
    • The boardwalk is ideal for walking, running, and cycling.
    • Designated surfing areas, attracting surfers from all over the city.
    • A variety of food and drink concessions along the boardwalk during the summer.

  • Playland Area (Historic)

    • The station owes its name to the historic Rockaways’ Playland amusement park, which closed in 1987.
    • Although the park no longer exists, the name endures, and the area evokes Rockaway’s recreational history.
    • The surrounding area is primarily residential, with local shops and restaurants.

  • Other Attractions in Rockaway

    • Easy access to different sections of Rockaway Beach.
    • Proximity to bus stops for exploring other parts of the peninsula.
    • Local parks and nearby recreational areas.

History and Evolution

• The Beach 98th Street–Playland station was opened for subway service on June 28, 1956.
• The line was originally part of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and was acquired and rebuilt by the New York City Transit Authority after a fire in 1950.
• The elevated structure has been maintained and renovated over the years, including repairs after Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

Interesting Facts

• The station experiences a significant increase in ridership during the summer months due to the influx of beach visitors.
• Its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean makes it one of the few NYC subway stations with such direct beach access.
• It is the second-to-last stop on the Rockaway Park Shuttle before the terminal at Beach 116th Street.