"The Nat"

Built in 1925



Whispers of yesterday

The Natatorium

"The Nat" was built in 1925. Standing two stories tall, the Natatorium hummed with sounds of laughter and bowling lanes in the center of town, where you now see the Ocean's Edge Wayside and Visitor Center Caboose.


Inside the Natatorium, visitors and locals were greeted by a massive 50' x 80' swimming pool and fountain. The water source? None other than the magnificent Pacific Ocean.


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Throughout the 40 years of public enjoyment, The Nat's second floor was converted from spectator seating and bowling lanes to "The Panorama Room" nightclub, and eventually the maltshake bar, dance, and billiard hall.

In 1967, the Natatorium was demolished due to exposure to the harsh coastal elements and a lack of upkeep. For years, the site sat as an asphalt parking lot, and in 2013 the City of Rockaway Beach was awarded the funds to install the intricately laid pavers you see today. Below the surface remains the original natatorium pool.


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