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Out and About Parks and Rec
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Living In Rockville Centre It time to get OUT AND AbOUT
Sue Grieco/Herald Logan Bracco and Deirdre McAndrews engaged in a game of dodge ball at the John A. Anderson Center.
Rockville Centre is home to many parks and fields for playing. Residents have access to all of them, as well as to nearby county, town and state parks.
John A. Anderson Recreation Center
Visit the John A. Anderson Recreation Center on Oceanside Road any time of the day, seven days a week, and you’ll find a flurry of activity for babies, children, teens, adults and senior citizens. The Recreation Department hosts more than 300 athletic, fitness, entertainment, educational and enrichment classes. Activities are tailored to every age group and interest, and are offered in fall, winter, spring and summer sessions.
The center was forced to close temporarily during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, it has since reopened. From September 2020 to June 2021, social distancing and safety measures were followed with all staff and participants wearing masks. As of now, masks are now not required, but always recommended. The center is hoping to reach one hundred percent capacity in September. The recreation department typically hosts more than 300 athletic, fitness, entertainment, educational and enrichment classes. Activities are tailored to every age group and interest, and are offered in fall, winter, spring and summer sessions. All services at the recreation center have resumed with Rockville residents getting priority to register.
The MLK Community Center
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center offers a wide array of activities and programs at 150 North Centre Ave. Open Monday through Satur-
PLAYGROUNDS
Playground facilities are located at: • Mill River Complex • Reverend Morgan Days Park • The Recreation Center • Hempstead Lake State Park
Rockville Centre Parks
RVC Recreation Department
William P. Hickey American Legion Memorial Field Complex
Sunrise Highway, between Morris and North Forest avenues Handball wall, basketball court, baseball/softball field, sitting area.
Mill River Complex
South Park Avenue and Chester Road Lister, Pette, Barash, Ketler and Bligh fields Tighe Soccer Field, four basketball courts with lights, playground, river overlooks, jogging paths, five baseball fields with new lights on some, auxiliary police fieldhouse.
Reverend Morgan Days Park
Maine Avenue near Peninsula Boulevard Two lighted basketball courts, roller-skating area, Little League/ softball field, soccer/lacrosse field, playground.
Donald F. Browne/Rockville Centre Park/ Stephen J. McDonald Pond
Off Peninsula Boulevard, first left inside
Hempstead Lake State Park
Picnic area, open recreational area, fishing pond (catch and release with permit), boating pond, jogging trails.
Rockville Centre Athletic Complex
Located on Peninsula Boulevard Regulation size soccer/lacrosse field, bleachers, press box, scoreboard and lights, Little League/ softball field with lights, rest rooms.
111 North Oceanside Road Children’s play area, two handball/paddleball walls, two basketball courts, five tennis courts, shaded picnic area, sitting area, jogging path, roller blading.
Village Green
Lee and Maple avenues Sitting area, summer concerts, annual tree lighting, 9-11 Family Memorial, gazebo.
Water Department Neighborhood Park
Forest and Maple avenues
Boy Scout Eagle Park
Parkwood Court and North Centre Avenue Sitting area.
Firemen’s Field
Adjacent to South Side High School. Sitting area.
Firemen’s Memorial Park
Forest Place and Forest Avenue. Walking area.
Founders Park
Lincoln Avenue and Merrick Road. Sitting area.
Jazaniah Nellis went airborne during a talent show at Rockville Centre’s Martin Luther King Jr. Center
Christina Daly/Herlad
Continued from the previous page day, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., the center is a vibrant neighborhood gathering place that provides Rockville Centre residents with the tools and knowledge to support their dreams.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the center temporarily closed and operated as a popup food pantry to serve local families in need. Now, the center has re-opened, operating as a non-profit.
The MLK Center has established innovative programs to meet the ever-evolving needs of those in the community. Many provide children with a safe environment in which they can learn and grow. The center is not only available for children, but also adults who are usually also welcome to participate in the many programs for them.
There are now 44 children enrolled in their summer program and new programs will be offered in September.
The food pantry is still open to the public every Friday. The MLK Center will be expanding soon to occupy the entire building at 150 North Center Ave.
