Photos: Rockaway Beach, N.Y., struggles to recover from Sandy

A large sand project is underway at Rockaway Beach to replenish the beach lost during Hurricane Sandy. The operation was in full swing days before Memorial Day weekend and the opening of beach season. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

May 24, 2014 9:53 PM PT

As the Memorial Day weekend kicks off the traditional start of the summer, much of New York’s Rockaway Beach is still under construction as it struggles to recover from Superstorm Sandy 18 months ago.

Workers from New York City Parks and Recreation roll out carpets for handicapped access to Rockaway Beach. This is something they do every year. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

City and park workers prepare for the opening of beach season at Rockaway Beach, N.Y. Although progress has been made, there is still work to be done in repairing the boardwalk and beach from Superstorm Sandy. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

At Gateway National Recreation Area, a dredging platform is anchored off shore, where sand is being moved to add to Rockaway Beach. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

New banners are hung at Gateway National Recreation Area in anticipation of Memorial Day weekend. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Tony Reyes, 44, was displaced by Hurricane Sandy. On his days off work, he visits the area where he once went to the beach. He says it has been improved since the storm. The buildings behind him are restrooms, a lifeguard station and first aid station. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Ernesto Maggi, who lives on 138th Street, says the demand for contractors delayed him in being able to get his house repaired after Superstorm Sandy. Work is still being done on the upstairs exterior of his home. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

A lot of work has been done at Gateway National Recreation Area in anticipation of Memorial Day weekend, but some areas still show signs of damage from Superstorm Sandy. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Standing on sandbags, Lee Jackson, a land surveyor from North Carolina, helps take measurements of the height of the sand, part of the beach replenishment project at Rockaway Beach. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Workers from New York City Parks and Recreation rake the beach in preparation for Memorial Day. Badly damaged by Superstorm Sandy, Rockaway Beach will be open for the summer starting this weekend. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

At Gateway National Recreation Area, sand still covers the pavement days before the opening of the area for Memorial Day weekend. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

At Gateway National Recreation Area, a woman runs along the path, still covered in sand. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)