$15 Million To Renovate County Parks
Snow may still be on the ground and jackets may not be stored away for the season quite yet, but summer is indeed around the corner—the first day of spring is in just one week.
Last Tuesday, March 5, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran presented revitalization plans for a number of Nassau County’s parks; this comes as part of a $15 million investment from the county in an effort to make community green spaces a welcoming hub for warm weather activities.
“Our goal is to ensure that we’re making the absolute most of our substantial green spaces,” Curran said. “When we talk about improving parks in Nassau County, we’re really talking about improving the lives of our residents. Park maintenance and enhancement is key to making Nassau County a better place to live, work and, most importantly, play.”
Among the parks receiving enhancements and renovations are Cantiague Park in Hicksville, Christopher Morley Park in Roslyn, Wantagh Park and Cedar Creek Park in Wantagh, Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, Centennial Park in Roosevelt, Inwood Park in Inwood, Bay Park in East Rockaway, Cow Meadow Park in Freeport and Nickerson Beach Park in Lido Beach.
Cantiague Park, Hicksville’s premier park that is home to mini golf, a driving range, golf course, extensive playground, tennis and basketball courts, football, soccer and baseball fields, picnic and BBQ areas, an indoor ice rink and a pool with six different pool areas and a concession stand, will be receiving a cricket pitch in accordance with newfound resident interest in the sport.
“Cricket is on the rise. A lot of interest from our South Asian and Caribbean communities,” Curran explained. “Cricket pitches are coming to several parks throughout the county. It’s an international sport with real worldwide appeal.”
The Nassau County Parks Department is also exploring the possibility of adding summer weekend night golf to Cantiague’s repertoire. Portable light towers will make this additional activity possible.
Christopher Morley Park will receive a $3 million investment to restore the concession stand, transform the old pond site into a community entertainment space, improve the pool deck and new spray pool, new paving and fencing throughout the park, a new picnic area with shade structures, new lighting, resurfacing old courts and updates to playgrounds including a new safety surface.
Wantagh Park will receive a $1.5 million investment to redesign and implement a new butterfly garden including new pavement, ornamental fencing, landscaping and a shade structure with seating areas; upgrades to the north playground with new safety surfaces, equipment, picnic area and shade structures; and upgrades to the marine playground and court games area with court resurfacing and new games like pickleball.
“Having access to vibrant, thriving open spaces is fundamental to our suburban quality of life,” Curran said. “I’m excited to see these visions and unique amenities come to life. Summer is right around the corner and we’re going to be ready for it.”
