a proposal for a 3,300-seat outdoor theater at pelham bay park, replacing orchard beach's northern locker facility, was canceled in 1974 due to community opposition. in 1980, nyc parks proposed a renovation of the beach for its 50th anniversary. by then, the beach had become so rundown that there was garbage covering much of the sand, and there were prostitutes and gamblers along the promenade. the $1 million renovation of the pavilions () was completed by 1986. after the renovation, the pavilions contained some shops and fast food, with a nature center and museum planned for the buildings. in 1985, parts of orchard beach, as well as three other city beaches and central park's sheep meadow, were designated as "quiet zones" where loud radio-playing was prohibited.