Several miles along Coney Island's iconic Riegelmann Boardwalk have officially become a city landmark.

The new status will preserve the boardwalk permanently, and the announcement coincided with the boardwalk's 95th birthday.

"Today was historically significant because the boardwalk was a gift to the people," says Charles Denson, a historian. "The boardwalk was not meant to be ephemeral. It was meant to be permanent. And now thanks to the landmarking, it will be permanent."

Officials say they were initially surprised when they learned the boardwalk was not already a landmark. And they say they're proud they were able to secure the new status without help from millionaires, a conservancy organization or other lobbyists.

"This is such an important public treasure, and I wanted to make sure that this is a public treasure that will last for generations to come," says Councilman Mark Treyger, a Democrat.