Boardwalk at Rockaway Beach back open for first time since Superstorm Sandy

ROCKAWAY BEACH, Queens (WABC) -- This July 4th weekend, the Boardwalk at Rockaway Beach is back open - a stretch that has been closed since Superstorm Sandy.

The boardwalk is concrete, not wood, so runners beware. There is also a bike lane, but most people have not discovered it yet. With no creaking wood, you can't always hear the bikes coming.

"I've been here 40 years, never hit anybody yet," said one beachgoer.

On the beach Saturday, there were plenty of happy people. The crowed is only expected to get bigger over the next couple of days.

Stephanie Sperandio and her 1-year-old son, Daniel were 'diggin' it'.

"He was digging himself in. More upset, because he wants he wants to eat the sand crab," Stephanie said.

After Superstorm Sandy, more than $140 million dollars was invested in the repair and restoration of Rockaway Beach. There is now more shoreline protection, and the new boardwalk is anchored more strongly with sunken steel pilings.

Those who remember the destruction all too well are just relieved to feel safe.

"It brings be a little bit of peace to know that it's done, so that's a good thing," says Rockaway Beach resident Ken Koc.