A reader sent in these photos from Riverside Park—one from tot lot 110 at Riverside and 110th Street, and the other from tot lot 108 at Riverside and 108th Street. Is this some sort of exercise to get kids to think outside the (sand)box? We've contacted the Parks Department to see what they had in mind when dumping the sand so far away from its intended destination, and will update when they get back to us. more ›

Summer is here, time for some scaremongering! Newsday delivers the first dose in what is likely a season full of over-the-top warnings. The latest casts a dark shadow on sand, following a study by the Environmental Protection Agency who "found those who dig in the sand have an increased chance of gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea, due to fecal matter in the sand." Sand castle builders and those who enjoy getting buried in the sand are at a greater risk (seriously, it says that). Eh, a little gastrointestinal illness isn't a bad trade off for sculpting a sweet sand castle... but don't be fooled, that's not all you'll catch, you can also come down with upper respiratory illnesses, rash, eye ailments, earaches and infected cuts. The paper also injects this floating fact into the article for us locals, "Long Island has several outfall pipes that discharge to water near bathing beaches." Yeah, that's sewage overflow. So enjoy the beach this weekend everyone, and don't forget this year's hottest accessory (pictured). more ›

Water Taxi Beach in Long Island City has been a popular hang-out in recent summers, with visitors flocking to the sand pit on weekends for beer, barbecue, and volleyball (but no swimming). Because of that success, the company is planning to expand with at least two more "beaches" this summer. One location, just announced today, is destined for the north side of Governors Island. Like last year, Water Taxi will operate ferry service to the island from downtown Brooklyn and lower Manhattan, and the beach will feature live music, basketball courts, a cafe, volleyball, and, like LIC, no swimming. And at least one other waterfront beach spot is rumored to be in the works for an undisclosed Manhattan location. But while many people swear by Water Taxi Beach, the absence of surf can make it feel less like a beach and more like a hot, crowded ashtray. Isn't sand something you sort of tolerate in order to get to the ocean, like tedious chitchat on a date? more ›