3 minute read
Out and About Parks and Rec
It’s time to get out and about
Courtesy Laura Ryder The Lynbrook Community Cares Group was cofounded by village residents Laura Ryder and Steve Schmitt, and has gone out to help those in need during the pandemic by offering various services to residents. Above, Ryder’s nephew, Tommy Atkinson, and her daughter, Shannon, loaded up a car full of supplies.
Lynbrook and East Rockaway have plenty to keep you busy all year long. Their acres of parkland, bike trails, picnic and recreation areas provide something for everyone, especially with things beginning to normalize. Greis Park in Lynbrook boasts a lush trail for runners and bikers, called the Hudson Exercise Trail. The trail was built in 2010 on vacant land that was deeded to the Village of Lynbrook in 1989 by Nassau County, which had obtained it from the City of New York as part of the city’s effort to dispose of many unused parcels that it owned in the county. Before the 2010 improvements, the dirt paths of the heavily wooded area were used for decades for walking and bicycling. The improvements, spearheaded by Brian Curran, a former mayor and assemblyman, included new landscaping, attractive lighting, seven exercise stations, benches and an asphalt path that follows the original half-mile dirt path loop, while still maintaining the natural fl ora of the area. Village offi cials are contemplating adding turf sports fi elds. The East Rockaway Grist Mill, in Memorial Park on Woods Avenue, is a 325-year-old mill that was burned by an arsonist in 1990 and was restored. Displays include an old fi re-pump engine, period costumes, Indian and bay exhibits and store settings from the 19th to early 20th centuries. The museum is open on weekends from 1 to 5 p.m. in the summer, and is wheelchair accessible. Be sure to check out the mill’s annual Huckleberry Frolic, which occurs every June to kick off the summer with entertainment, food and more. Bay Park is a beautiful 96acre park that offers a wealth of athletic fi elds and courts, bicycle paths and an outdoor roller rink. New since Hurricane Sandy, the park now boasts a large playground, picnic area, a spray pool and lots of room for running. There is also a nine-hole, par-30 golf course open from March to December. Overlooking Hewlett Bay, a fi shing dock is open yearround, along with a launch ramp for your boat, personal watercraft or sailboat. The park also offers a dog run with separate areas for big and small dogs. The run is on the east side of the park by the athletic fi elds. Don’t forget to check out your local recreation centers in Lynbrook and East Rockaway to see what fun activities they have planned year-round. Popular programs include outdoor movies, free concerts, and arts and crafts.
Julia Swerdin/Herald Above Photo: he Lynbrook Owls Buddy Program still soared — virtually — during the pandemic. First-grader Mikey Mummendey, left, and his Owl Buddy Parker Sloan, completed math and art work as part of the program. Local Parks
Greis Veterans Memorial Park
55 Wilbur St., Lynbrook 599-8000
Memorial Park/Grist Mill Museum
Corner Atlantic and Woods avenues, East Rockaway 887-6320
Bay Park
198 First Ave. 571-7245
East Rockaway Recreation Center
17 John St. 341-0996 errecreation@villageofeastrockaway.org Facebook: East Rockaway.Recreation
Lynbrook Recreation Center
Other Nearby Parks Echo Park 483-7400 399 Nassau Blvd. West Hempstead
Larson Park
Peninsula Boulevard and Remsen Street, Lynbrook
Minore Park
Davis and Lawson avenues, East Rockaway Hempstead Lake State Park 766-1029 525 Eagle Ave., West Hempstead Jones Beach 785-1600 2400 Ocean Pkwy., Wantagh 11793 Valley Stream State Park 825-4128 Southern State Parkway Exit 15A P.O. Box 670, Valley Stream 11582 Eisenhower Park 572-0347 1899 Hempstead Tpke., East Meadow,11554 www.nassaucountyny.gov Grant Park 571-7821 Broadway and Sheridan Avenues, Hewlett 11557
