Newbridge Road Park

Newbridge Road Park is the staple of Bellmore recreation

Perhaps one of Bellmore’s most comprehensive recreational facilities, there is much to do and see at Newbridge Road Park. Maintained by the Town of Hempstead, the park is ideal for visitors any time of the year — there’s a pool, indoor ice rink, playground, and even a dog park.

The 14,000-square-foot dog park is only open to town residents — and of course their dogs, who must be registered with the town, and up to date on their rabies vaccines. With sanctioned areas for both small and large dogs along with a secure chain-link fence, the grounds are completely paw-friendly, according to town officials. The space is for more than just socializing — there are ramps, hurdles, and other fun amenities for pooches of every shape and size.

The dog park opened in 2016, and is a big hit — not just among Bellmore residents, but also neighbors from nearby communities. It's so popular, a group on Facebook, “Puppy Parents of Newbridge Road Dog Park,” was formed to unite dog owners from near and far.

In the summertime, visitors can kick back at Newbridge’s pool, open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. The pool is both a practice and swim meet location for the town’s competitive team that competes in the Nassau Swim Conference. It's open to swimmers between 6 and 16.

The indoor ice rink is open year-round, and features public skating sessions and lessons. Hockey programs — such as private lessons, clinics and leagues — are available to young people between 5 and 17.

The playground at Newbridge and the pool saw some fun renovations this year. Town Councilman Chris Carini, who’s district encompasses parts of Bellmore, said last December that due to the town’s good finances, visitors could look forward to some upgrades in the spring.

“It’s a big capital project,” Carini said. “We got bond upgrades, which means we are able to get bonds at a lower rate. We decided to add $10 million in upgrades to town parks — this is part of that capital.”

The playground was completely redone, and the pool will get a new, state-of-the-art splash pad next summer.

Continued on page 17

Tim Baker/Herald photos The sprawling recreational facility that is Newbridge Road Park got some upgrades this year — a brand new playground was added this past spring.

Continued from page 16 On top of the park’s main features, there are multi-use walking paths, sport fields and courts, a large hill that is often a spot for sledders when it snows, and views of the water and bay. The park is located in Bellmore’s southern half, at 2600 Newbridge Road.

For more information on the park, and what you can do there, visit HempsteadNY.gov. — Jordan Vallone

Top: The park’s entry is located at the southernmost point of Newbridge Road, where it of course, gets its name from.

Middle: Dakota loved the puppy pool at the dog park.

Bottom: One its most popular features is a dog park, with separate sections for large and small pups. Hershey, front, and Dakota took a rest on a hot day.

Top left: Skyla Smith, 3, had a blast on the new playground. Top right: With many walking paths, those utilizing the park can enjoy a nice view of Bellmore’s canals. Bottom: The park hasmuch to offer, including an indoor ice skating rink, an outdoor pool, and plenty of recreational sporting fields and courts.

Tim Baker/Herald photos