Nassau County Parks - Long Island Parks - Parks in Nassau County Long Island New York


	Bay Park First Avenue East Rockaway, NY t 516-571-7245 Bordered by the East Rockaway Channel on the east and Hewlett Bay on the south and west, Bay Park offers 96 scenic acres dedicated to a range of athletic and family activities. Bay Park has been in the Nassau County park system since 1947 and is located in the southwest corner of the county, in East Rockaway.


	Baxter's Pond / Barbara Johnson Park and Preserve Shore Road / Central Drive Port Washington, NY Located across from Manhasset Bay and along Shore Road on its northern perimeter, 5-acre Barbara Johnson Park and Preserve is a long, narrow and pretty park, the first half of which is dominated by a large, shallow pond framed by native flowers and vegetation. There are numerous benches in this area and a wooden viewing dock on the west side of the pond. The second half of the park south of the pond is wooded with many maple trees and a stream that feeds into the pond. There is a walking trail on the west side of the pond that is brick alongside the pond and leads into a dirt trail beyond. Barbara Johnson is one of several County properties that were originally designed for drainage purposes and were later turned into public parks. The property was acquired in two parcels, in 1944 and 1975.


	Camman's Pond Park Merrick Road / Lindenmere Boulevard Merrick, NY This pretty 8-acre park includes a long, winding pond with a small island and a half-mile walkway on the eastern side of the park. Numerous benches alongside the pond provide the opportunity for rest and relaxation. Camman's, acquired by the County in 1961, is one of several County properties that were originally designed for drainage purposes.


	Cantiague Park West John Street Hicksville, NY t 516-571-7056 This 127-acre park offers an excellent and large swimming complex and a terrific indoor ice-skating rink that has played host to Olympic skaters. Visitors can enjoy a range of other outdoor athletic and family activities at this popular and centrally located park. Cantiague Park has been part of the county park system since 1961 and is centrally located in Hicksville, just off the Northern State Parkway and east of the Wantagh State Parkway.


	Cedar Creek Park Merrick Road (East of Wantagh Avenue) Seaford, NY t 516-571-7472 With Seaman's Creek on its southern border and East Bay beyond, and with Cedar Creek bisecting its center, 259-acre Cedar Creek Park provides a lovely setting along with an assortment of recreational activities. The park has some of Nassau County's more unique facilities and a playground judged by News12 Long Island viewers as the best on Long Island. Cedar Creek Park has been part of the county park system since 1975 and is located in the southeast part of Nassau County, in Seaford.


	Centennial Park Centennial Avenue / Babylon Turnpike Roosevelt, NY t 516-571-8695 A 2-acre community resource, this newly renovated park provides a variety of recreational activities, including a small playground, a dozen basketball hoops and two new color-coated tennis courts. In addition, there are paddleball and handball courts, table games, water sprinklers in season, and picnic tables. The beautifully renovated basketball courts feature fiberglass backboards and color-coated courts. Basketball legend Julius Erving ("Doctor J"), who grew up in the area, played ball at these courts as a youngster. A 2-acre community resource, this newly renovated park provides a variety of recreational activities, including a small playground, a dozen basketball hoops and two new color-coated tennis courts. In addition, there are paddleball and handball courts, table games, water sprinklers in season, and picnic tables. The beautifully renovated basketball courts feature fiberglass backboards and color-coated courts. Basketball legend Julius Erving ("Doctor J"), who grew up in the area, played ball at these courts as a youngster.


	Christopher Morley Park Searingtown Road Roslyn-North Hills, NY t 516-571-8113 A beautiful 98-acre park, Christopher Morley provides facilities for a range of athletic activities, including swimming, basketball and baseball. In addition, there is a 9-hole golf course, nature trails, a popular outdoor ice skating rink, and a basin for model-boat enthusiasts. Christopher Morley Park, set on 98 acres and centrally located in the northern part of the county, has been in the Nassau County park system since 1961. The park provides numerous opportunities for recreation:


	Cow Meadow Park South Main Street Freeport, NY t 516-571-8685 Located at the end of South Main Street and bordered by the Freeport Creek, Cow Meadow is a 171-acre park and preserve that offers athletic fields and courts, together with a nature preserve and a new marina. Located in Freeport on the south shore of Long Island, Cow Meadow has been part of the county park system since 1970. This park and preserve serve to protect and showcase 150 acres of Long Island’s marine wetlands, including salt marsh, mud flat and tidal creek habitats. Cow Meadow is home to more than 150 varieties of birds and more than a dozen mammal species. A quarter-mile nature trail winds through upland bayberry thicket, tidal marshes and creeks, providing a pleasant and easy-to-walk diversion for families and individuals.


	Doxey Brook Park Branch Boulevard North Woodmere, NY Located across Branch Boulevard from the North Woodmere Park golf course, the primary attraction of this small park is its pretty and large pond, which is fronted by residences. A walking path winds along the western end of the park, and there are more than a dozen benches and a small parking lot. The property was originally acquired by the County in 1963 for drainage purposes.


	East Gate / West Gate East West Gate Road off of Dutch Broadway Valley Stream, NY A 2-acre park set in a residential area, East/West Gate has a creek running through it, together with benches and grassy areas.


	Eisenhower Park Merrick / Stewart Avenues East Meadow, NY t 516-572-0348 The jewel of Nassau County's park system and centrally located in East Meadow, Eisenhower provides 930 acres of activities, including three outstanding 18-hole golf courses; a world-class Aquatic Center with a fitness room and a comprehensive schedule of activities and classes; athletic fields and tennis courts; picnic areas; miniature golf; a batting cage; playgrounds; summertime entertainment at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theater; and a restaurant. Part of the county park system since 1944, Eisenhower offers a full range of athletic and family activities, including some of the finest facilities in Nassau County and an exciting schedule of summertime events. The park is centrally located in East Meadow, bordered by Hempstead Turnpike on the south and Old County Road on the north.


	Grant Park Broadway / Sheridan Avenue Hewlett, NY t 516-571-7821 This beautiful 35-acre park nestled in a residential area provides family and athletic activities, including a roller and ice-skating rink, ball fields, picnic areas, playgrounds, and fishing in the park lake. Grant Park, part of the Nassau County park system since 1955, is located in the southwest part of the county.


	Garvies Point Museum and Preserve Barry Drive Glen Cove, NY 516-571-8010 A magnificent 62-acre site set along Hempstead Harbor on the scenic North Shore, Garvies Point includes permanent exhibits and educational programs devoted to regional geology and Native-American archaeology. In addition, changing exhibits cover a variety of natural history subjects. Glacial exhibits illustrate that part of Long Island's history and explain the formation of contemporary land features. Dramatic post-glacial changes in climate and sea level are detailed in dioramas to show the evolution of the local landscape over the past 20,000 years. Local leaf fossils and concretions (Native-American paint-pots) are also on display.


	Hall's Pond Park Nassau Boulevard / Hempstead Avenue West Hempstead, NY t 516-733-0879 Centrally located in West Hempstead, this 11-acre park includes a 5.5-acre pond with a walkway and a wooded area on its north side. Hall's Pond is a popular local setting for quiet walks and community activities. The park is one of several County properties that were originally designed for drainage purposes and were later turned into public parks. Hall's Pond is made up of three contiguous parcels of land acquired by the County between 1956 to 1970.


	Hempstead Harbor Beach Park West Shore Road Port Washington, NY t 516-571-7930 A 60-acre property set between pretty West Shore Road on the west and the Hempstead Harbor to the east, this park offers a beach, a half-mile promenade along the Harbor, a fishing pier, and a range of athletic and family activities, including a large picnic area, a miniature golf course, basketball courts, and handball and paddleball courts. Set against the backdrop of Hempstead Harbor, this park has been in the Nassau County park system since 1962. A parking fee is required from May 28-September 5.


	Hempstead Lake State Park West Hempstead, NY 11552 t 516-766-1029 Hempstead Lake State Park is a multi use facility. Included are 20 tennis courts, children's playgrounds, basketball courts, bridle trails for horse back riding, biking and hiking trails, shaded picnic areas and a historic hand carved wooden carousel. There is a picnic pavilion available for large parties. In addition to a pavilion rented through the Permit Department, Hempstead offers rental of the Carousel party-room done in-house at the park. For a rental fee of $350.00 for a three hour event, guests are also offered unlimited carousel rides during their event. There are three ponds that are accessible for fishing. On Hempstead Lake, the largest lake in Nassau County, you are permitted to use car top boats with an annual permit issued from the Park. McDonald Pond, South Pond and Hempstead Lake are stocked with trout in the fall and you may target trout year-round. Other species present include large mouth bass, chain pickerel, black crappie, perch, tiger muskies, carp and sunfish.


	Herricks Pond Park Searington Road / Herricks Road Herricks, NY Herricks Pond Park is a centrally located 4-acre park with a small pond and an adjacent parcel of open space. A walking path around the pond and benches provide the opportunity for light exercise and relaxation. Herricks Pond is one of several County properties that were originally designed for drainage purposes and were later turned into public parks.


	Inwood Park Bayview Avenue Inwood, NY t 516.571.7894 Surrounded by water, this 16-acre park provides a pleasant setting for several athletic and family activities. Inwood Park, part of the county park system since 1956, is located in the southeast part of Nassau County and requires a Leisure Pass for entry. This 16-acre park, surrounded by water, offers the following activities. Inwood Park, part of the county park system since 1956, is an attractive and modern 16-acre park surrounded by water that is located in the southeast part of Nassau County; it requires a Leisure Pass for entry. The park offers the following activities. Athletics/Physical Activities: There is one lighted baseball field that is also used for football; two basketball courts and two tennis courts. There is also a jogging or walking path around the perimeter of the park, by the water.


	Jones Beach State Park and Beach Ocean Parkway P.O. Box 1000 Wantagh, NY 11793 t 516-785-1600 Jones Beach State Park is a world-class swimming destination. It comprises 2,413 acres, 6-1/2 miles of ocean beach frontage, with a 1/2 mile of frontage developed for still water bathing. The park offers surf bathing along its 6.5 miles of ocean beach, one-half mile of bay beach for stillwater bathing, and two swimming pools. The west end of the park provides wonderful surf fishing, a boat basin and undeveloped areas that are home to a variety of migratory birds and native plants. The park is also home to the Theodore Roosevelt Nature Center, which includes environmental displays about the seashore, educational tours and programming for all ages. Jones Beach has a two mile boardwalk and a "Castles in the Sand" photo collection at the East Bathhouse which depicts the development of the Long Island State Park and parkway systems. Additional attractions include deck games, miniature golf and beach volleyball. Jones Beach also hosts the popular Bethpage Federal Credit Union Annual Memorial Day Weekend Air Show. Attractions include beach, Empire Passport accepted, fishing, food, gift shop, golf, marina, museum/visitor center, performing arts theater, picnic tables, playground, pool, recreation programs, showers.


	Lofts Pond Park Merrick Road between Windsor and Surrey lanes Baldwin, NY A 14-acre park, Lofts Pond provides a relaxing environment in which to sit or stroll while enjoying the view of the large pond, which is bordered by residences on several sides. The property making up Lofts was acquired by the County in 1963 and 1966. Lofts Pond was part of a three-pond capital improvement restoration project announced by County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi in August 2005. The project, completed in 2007, included cleaning and dredging of the pond; planting of trees (such as grey birch and sweet gum), shrubs (blueberry, elderberry, and pepperbush) and aquatic plants (sedges, rushes and ferns); and restoration of walkways. In addition, a small bridge that provides for viewing the inaccessible shoreline area and for fishing, as well as a gazebo, was constructed.


	Manhasset Valley Park East Shore Road / Northern Boulevard Manhasset, NY 11030 t 516-572-0290


	Massapequa Preserve Merrick Road / Ocean Avenue Massapequa, NY t 516-571-7443 Massapequa Preserve is 423 undeveloped acres of woodlands, ponds, lakes and freshwater wetlands that border Massapequa Creek for almost 4 miles, from South Farmingdale to Merrick Road. The Preserve is home to hundreds of species of plants and animals. This land comprises the largest single acquisition by Nassau County of New York City watershed property. The preserve is divided into three sections bounded by major roadways. The southern section, from Merrick Road to Sunrise Highway, contains the most diverse and ecologically valuable lands. Freshwater swamps, marsh, stream, lake and sandy-bog area provide habitat for many rare and endangered Long Island plants, including orchids, carnivorous sundews and bladderworts. The longest hiking trail in Nassau County, the Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail, begins at Merrick Road and Ocean Avenue and continues through the length of the preserve, ending at Cold Spring Harbor. Freshwater fishing is available in several of the lakes and streams (license required).


	Merokee Preserve Orange Street / Farmer Street Bellmore, NY Merokee contains 25 acres of woods and wetlands located between Sunrise Highway and Merrick Road. Newbridge Creek splits into two channels as it enters the preserve, creating a small island in the middle. A nature trail is accessible by the entrance, one block south of Sunrise Highway.


	Milburn Pond Park / Milburn Creek Park West Merrick Road / South Brookside Avenue Freeport, NY The 8-acre Milburn Pond Park provides a pretty setting for a half-mile stroll around the pond or for relaxing on the numerous benches. Across West Merrick Road from Milburn Pond Park, the adjoining Milburn Creek Park is a narrow 24-acre park split by Milburn Creek, a mix of salt water from Freeport Bay to the south and fresh water from the north. Milburn Creek Park includes a half-mile walking or jogging trail and a boat launch, accessible via the Atlantic Avenue entrance. Milburn Pond is one of several County properties that were originally designed for drainage purposes and were later turned into public parks; Milburn Creek was also the site of the first boat launch offered by the County (in 1963). The two properties were acquired by the County between 1956 and 1962.


	Muttontown Preserve Muttontown Road (East of Jericho-Oyster Bay Road) East Norwich, NY t 516-57-.8500 Comprising 550 acres of fields, woodlands, ponds and estate grounds, Muttontown is Nassau County's largest nature preserve and one of the most beautiful settings on Long Island. The preserve includes miles of marked nature trails with local wildflowers, trees, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Maps and brochures are available for self-guided tours and include descriptions of various areas along the trails. In winter, residents can enjoy the cross-country skiing trails that are available when weather allows. Muttontown also has several structures, including the Chelsea estate, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and Nassau Hall. The Muttontown Preserve is cobbled together from three separate estates. The Nature Center and Chelsea are located on a 100-acre parcel donated by Alexandra Moore McKay. An additional 400 acres were purchased from the Lansdell Christie estate, including the original Winthrop mansion. A 20-acre parcel donated by Mrs. Paul Hammond contains evidence of the pre-Revolutionary Duryea Farm. The ruins of the mansion once owned by King Zog of Albania can still be viewed in the wooded area just north of Muttontown Road.


	Nickerson Beach Park 880 Lido Boulevard Lido Beach, NY t 516-571-7700 Bordering the Atlantic Ocean, this 121-acre park offers the lure of beaches and waves but also provides a number of additional opportunities for fun, including new athletic courts, two pools, and a new playground and skateboard facility. Nickerson Beach, part of the county park system since 1967, has undergone an extensive renovation and offers numerous activities in the park or on the beach. The renovation work has included construction of a beautiful family "Fun Zone" with a skate park, colorful basketball courts with fiberglass backboards, and a state-of-the-art playground that incorporates special attractions such as climbing apparatus and puzzles. The Fun Zone provides a seamless area that can accommodate children in a broad age range, so that moms and dads can watch a youngster in the playground while an older child goes to the nearby basketball court or skating park. In addition to the creation of the Fun Zone, other improvements included renovation of the popular cabana areas, new benches and grills, a new baseball field and repaved parking areas. For the 2008 season, nine new beach volleyball courts were added for leagues and individuals, with two adjacent picnic areas. The parks includes areas by the beach that are cordoned off to protect piping plover nesting spots. The piping plover is a sparrow-sized shorebird that nests in beach areas and is protected by federal law.


	North Woodmere Park Branch Boulevard / Hungry Harbor Road North Woodmere, NY t 516-571-7801 This 150-acre park is surrounded by water and offers a range of seasonal and year-round activities. North Woodmere, located near the water in the southwest part of Nassau County, has been part of the county park system since 1965 and is a large and busy site with a range of activities. 150 acres; 10 tennis courts (fee), 2 full basketball courts, lighted handball and paddleball courts, lighted baseball, football, soccer fields, softball fields; 5 theme park pools (fee), water slide, 9-hole golf and driving range (fee) shuffleboard, horseshoes, playground, saltwater fishing, crabbing, picnic areas (fee for reserved area), community room (fee).


	Polaris Field Polaris Road Levittown, NY A 3-acre athletic field, Polaris consists of two baseball fields used by the Levittown Little League as well as local soccer leagues. The property was acquired by the County in 1938 and 1949.


	Reverend Arthur Mackey Sr. Park Lakeside Drive / Washington Road Roosevelt, NY t 516-571-8692 A beautiful 27-acre site, Rev. Arthur Mackey Park combines numerous recreational facilities, including a new playground, with a peaceful lake surrounded by benches. Rev. Arthur Mackey Park, with a central South Shore location, has been part of the county park system since 1984. Rev. Arthur Mackey Park, with a central South Shore location, has been part of the county park system since 1984 and offers the following activities. Attractions include two tennis courts, two handball/paddleball courts, two full basketball courts and four half-courts and a baseball field.


	Sands Point Preserve 127 Middleneck Road Sands Point, NY t 516.571.7900 Perhaps the most impressive of the North Shore's early-20th-century estates, Sands Point first served as the home for railroad heir Howard Gould and was later purchased by Daniel and Florence Guggenheim. The 216-acre preserve, located by the Long Island Sound, is dominated by the massive Hempstead House and nearby Castlegould stable, but also includes a second mansion, "Falaise" that was built by Capt. Harry Guggenheim around 1923.


	Silver Lake Park Foxhurst Road (just south of Merrick Road) Baldwin, NY Silver Lake is a beautiful 9-acre park located in a residential area, with a large pond at its southern end. The park’s walkway circles the pond, providing a good opportunity for strolling and jogging. The park is also a popular setting for wedding photographs. Silver Lake, acquired by the County in 1946, is one of several County properties that were orginally designed for draingage purposes and were later turned into public parks. Silver Lake was part of a three-pond capital improvement restoration project announced by County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi in August 2005. The project, completed in 2007, included cleaning and dredging of the pond; planting of trees. shrubs and aquatic plants; and restoration of walkways.


	Stannards Brook Park Carlton Avenue / Charles Street Port Washington, NY A wooded and narrow 3-acre neighborhood park, Stannards Brook Park is bisected by a winding brook with flowering plants alongside. The park includes a trail for strolling as well as several benches and three bridges that span the stream to connect to residential streets on the east side of the park. The park is also part of the New York State Significant Fish and Wildlife Habitat in Manhasset Bay and an important bird sanctuary. Stannards Brook was acquired by the Country in 1944, originally for drainage purposes.


	Tanglewood Park & Preserve Tanglewood Road (between Ocean Avenue / Lakeview Road) Lakeview, NY t 516-764-0045 An 11-acre park and preserve, Tanglewood provides a lovely nature trail and a beautifully renovated brick walkway surrounding a pond. The park was originally acquired by the County between 1962 and 1964 for drainage purposes. Tanglewood also serves as home for the Center for Science Teaching and Learning, a nonprofit educational organization.


	Terrell Avenue Park Atlantic Avenue / Terrell Avenue Oceanside, NY A small (1 acre) neighborhood site, Terrell Avenue Park offers a series of benches fronting a small stream. Terrell also has the distinction of being one of the earliest park properties acquired by the County, in 1938, for drainage purposes.


	Wantagh Park Kings Road / Canal Place Wantagh, NY t 516-571-7460 A long, narrow 111-acre park bordered on the south by Flat Creek with East Bay beyond, Wantagh has a wide range of attractions, from a swimming complex to ball fields and tennis courts to a boating marina and launch ramp. Wantagh Park, located in southeastern Nassau County, has been part of the county park system since 1961. Consisting of 111 acres, the park provides a waterfront location and numerous opportunities for recreation, along with seating areas that allow visitors to relax and enjoy the magnificent view.


	Washington Avenue Park Jerusalem Avenue / Washington Avenue Seaford, NY A 4-acre community park, Washington Avenue includes two baseball fields in a sunken field, both of which have bleachers for viewing; and a playground area with several attractions for very young children, including swings and small play apparatus, as well as benches and picnic tables. The area beyond the playground on the south side of the horizontally shaped park is filled with oak trees. The park was acquired by the County in 1941-42 for drainage purposes.


	Whitney Pond Park 1 Community Drive Manhasset, NY t 516-571-8300 A 24-acre park located conveniently off Northern Boulevard, Whitney Pond offers walking trails around the park and pond, basketball and tennis courts, and swimming pools. A pretty, hilly park with a large pond on its northern end, Whitney Pond has been in the Nassau County park system since 1947. 24 acres; 4 tennis courts (fee), 12 basketball hoops, 4 handball and paddleball courts; 2 pools and diving pool (fee), picnic areas, freshwater fishing, 1-mile jogging course.


	William Cullen Bryant Preserve 1 Museum Drive Roslyn Harbor, NY The preserve, which serves as home to the Nassau County Museum of Art, consists of 141 acres of beautiful grounds with sculptures and formal gardens.

Long Island parks in Nassau County including the North Shore, South Shore. Click here for Long Island Dog Friendly Parks.