Village Green

Village Green Park offers something for everyone

Tucked right behind Village Hall, running alongside West Valley Stream Boulevard is the Village Green Park, a small, unassuming green oasis. Neighbors regularly go there to unwind and trek through the gentle walking trail running through the neatly mowed and manicured lawn. The park is also home to a natural tributary brook flowing through it. A perfect sight for nature lovers who watch the water as it journeys through the village before finally emptying into Jamaica Bay.

Once you’ve had your fill of the breathtaking scenery, why not invite your furry friend to share in the fun? Take your Fido over to the neighboring off-leash dog park and let him roam free in a fenced-off doggy playground equipped with agility obstacles and synthetic turf, and even a doggy water fountain, for the ultimate canine hangout.

And don’t worry, there are plenty of park benches and picnic tables for you to kick back and relax while you watch your canine.

After your outdoor excursion, why not cozy up next to a good book in one of the spacious reading areas inside the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library right alongside the Village Green? The library, established in 1932, houses more than 120,000 books, DVDs, e-books, and more. Not a book worm? Not to worry. The library has a dedicated calendar of programs chock-full of fun-filled activities for tykes, teens, and adults. Explore the library’s STEAM Makerspace Room replete with MakerBot Replicator, 3-D printer, and other gadgets and equipment. Take a seminar class or workshop from first-time home buying to brushing up

Tim Baker/Herald photos Top: The Henry Waldinger Memorial Library, established in 1932, provides a litany of fun and educational activities for people of any age, and is situated alongside Village Green Park.

on your Microsoft Excel spreadsheet skills.

If that weren’t enough, go past the library, and the Village Green also holds the Village Bandshell, a concert stage that draws droves of residents for a line-up of concert entertainment during the summer as part of the village’s annual concert series. Bands feature a wide assortment of topcharting, classic hits from Bon Jovi to Bronx Changa to the Beatles. It’s sure to get any music lover on their feet.

— Juan Lasso

Top: The Village Bandshell attracts dozens of music lovers during its summer concert series and other concert performances throughout the year. Middle: A view of the children’s library at Waldinger Memorial Library. Bottom: The Village Bandshell hosts a handful of natural treasures, including a brook running through the park with bright vegetation and flora.