What's up, Merrick Mountain?! Former dump turned into a beautiful light hike by the water. Take in…read morethe scenery, the trails and the goat poo, while enjoying a little bit of suburban park reclamation! If you go up and down the long way, you can get a nice 3.5 miles in on this baby with some hills. Throw in a weighted vest, and you're getting yourself a solid light workout. There are already so many reviews, so just some notes: 1) Make your way around the current dump (also a Nassau County gem, seriously) and drive slowly. 2) Parking is tricky at certain times of the day and on weekends. Make sure to come before 9:30 on beautiful days, or else you'll be parking far, far away. More steps, If you really want them I guess. 3) Wear your sunscreen! Skin cancer is no joke, and it's pretty bright up top with not a lot of coverage if you walk around to the lake. 4) Beware...No lights in the bathroom and really not the best place to use the loo. There however is a shopping center close by... 5) Look out of all sorts of critters from birds to bugs.. including ticks.

Kind of confusing to find the entrance but nice doable trail with nice view once you make it to the…read moretop.

Walking around Hendrickson Park is relaxing , the scenery, the ducks, the pond all make for a…read morecalming scroll. The community center offers a variety of activities. The outdoor mini golf area host a lot of free events for children. I go walking there during the morning hours , all passerby's greet each other. The park staff is friendly and the park is clean.

I really love the park and the pool. Pool is amazing it's so nice and cold on a hot summer day…read more perfect for swimming

I found this park by accident during my afternoon walk. It's a nice park that spans about 2 blocks…read more It offers basketball courts, a baseball field, soccer field, and a walkway path. It's also situated near a lake that offers nice, serene views. Parking lots and bathrooms are available.

Very nice park. Fields for soccer, basketball courts, children park and beautiful lake. Seating…read more Clean bathrooms.

I grew up attending and working at a camp that came here weekly for cookouts, so call me biased,…read morebut there is no park like Valley Stream. Beautiful walking paths, great athletic fields for softball, volleyball, basketball, and more, and multiple playground areas for kids. Add in the tons of picnic tables and pavilions spread out across the park and you can't beat it! A gem in the NYS Parks system.

I go to Valley Stream Park for early morning walks, no music, no headphones , just me and my…read morethoughts and the sound of nature. The surrounding area is nice and calm. Often times, I meet my friends, if they can't make it I feel safe walking alone. Safety officers are visible and Nassau County PD conduct tours. The bike lane and lane for walkers are respected by both. The restroom are clean. There is two kiddy parks and BBQ area. The park is a good way to clear my mind and get mine steps in. The tree lines paths are beautiful during the change of season.

Hewlett Point Park is truly a hidden gem of south shore Long Island, Town of Hempsteads community…read moreparks/beachfronts. Nestled deep within East Rockaway, Bay Park - Hewlett Harbor, Lynbrook area. It has a small playground, pool and beachy areas. Not too big, but not to small, just right for a peaceful walk on a sun shining kind of day. It's just before the season really opens, so still quiet enough to take it all in. In past summers I know this location to host Town of Hempstead Music in the park evening event(s). Its an easy beautiful sandy area where you park your beach chair and listen to the mellow sound of the ocean waves behind you as the musical sounds of joy face and embrace you. :) Can't wait till the season really starts and I can enjoy a local park like this even more. Maybe I even bring my kayak down and ask to push myself off from their shore. :)

We had such a fun day at the beach and pool today and we can't wait to go back !! Super clean,…read morenowhere near as busy as - say - the TOH lido beach. Lifeguards at the pool were on POINT. they were great. Pool got a little busy but nowhere near as busy as other TOH pools, which we loved! And the beach part had TONS of room. I'm going to go back alone just to lay out and tan because it's so pleasantly quiet !! We are hewlett residents so we paid $5.50 (kiddos under 10 were $2.75!) it might be slightly more for TOH residents who live outside of east rock or Hewlett, but not by much. If you're not a TOH resident make sure you go with someone who is otherwise the cost is $30. No rafts allowed in the pool area (even floaties) but the pool only goes up to about 6 feet. We had a couple non-swimmer kids with us and they had a blast in the low end. There's also a really cute kiddie pool/splash pad area for the younger ones! I can't believe I didn't know about this gem sooner! It was wonderful. Small, easy parking, easy to get around. There is apparently food on-site but I don't think it was open when we were there so we just headed to Lazy Lobster for fish and chips after our day at the beachpool (the term I coined for this amazing spot!) Cannot wait to go back!!

Hempstead Lake State Park is an absolute local gem! I took a walk along one of the tranquil trails,…read moreand the scenery around the water was remarkably peaceful and picturesque. Beyond the views, it's neat knowing you're walking through a bit of Long Island history--the main reservoir was originally built in the 1870s to supply fresh water to Brooklyn. It's a wonderful, scenic spot to relax, recharge, and take in the natural surroundings!

This lake is pretty awesome with $8 parking. There is plenty of space to grill and benches to sit…read more There is also a playground for the kids to enjoy. There is a huge lake where people do swim in even tho you are advised not to. I like to soak my feet in since the water is pretty warm during the summer.

This park is unbelievably quaint yet clean. It is tucked in a corner of a neighborhood and having…read morenatural borders on three edges adds a higher sense of security. The playground equipment is relatively new with great colors and characters. My nephew was having a ball running around. It's also wonderful to be able to see a soccer field from the toddlers' playground. It makes it easy to watch older kids play from one convenient location. Thankfully, parking was very easy to access which is such a benefit when there are little ones who are quick to scurry. Plus, traffic is relatively controlled so fast cars aren't swerving by. The only thing I cannot comment on is the state of the bathroom. I didn't have a chance to enter it therefore I have to deduct a star for that unknown element. Overall, I highly recommend this park for all families and adults young at heart.

What a great neighborhood park!…read more Very clean, and lots of options for kids of all ages. There are regular and baby swings, as well as a handicapped swing. The floor is cushioned, bouncy even, friendly for trips and falls. There is a basketball court, and grassy areas separate from the field. My 17 month old son had so much fun at this park. I wish the one in my neighborhood was like it!

Brookville Park , this summer has been a great place for running definitely rather than relaxing…read more Running very early in the morning was one of the best things I've ever did in my life it's very enjoyable. (With music) I'd have to say the park starts getting busy around the Afternoon depends on the weather. Around night time it's a nice peaceful run(don't walk slow and take your precious time) I couldn't really say if it's dangerous to be honest because whenever I run at night time nothing really happens. But I always look around and behind me just for safety.

Love this park. Been coming here for a couple years…read more Pros: the park is huge and has several attractive components: double tennis court, several basketball court, a soccer/ football field, picnic areas,functioning bathrooms and a bike path. Cons: There is no official parking lot. There are about 12 spots on the side near 147th St. and street parking on Brookville. The park much like most of the adjacent areas can present some safety issue. It's not well lit at dusk and there are some secluded areas. While I've never had any unpleasant encounters. I remain vigilant at all times. Err on the side of caution always. I keep my AirPods on transparent so that while I'm listening to music, I am aware at all times and I keep a pepper spray ( I know it's illegal ) on me whenever I'm there. I'd rather get a ticket for having the spray than be vulnerable. I also circle back to my car in between miles. Most importantly, I use the park during popular hours to make sure there are plenty people around.

This is my local park and the amenities it offers can't be beat!…read moreI think anyone who goes there will enjoy it!

Great Park. Plenty of Sun if you like, Plenty of Shade if you burn…read more Tables are plentiful. Grills are available for a cookout. Fields are in decent shape, grass is cut although there are a ton of weeds. Bathrooms are extremely clean and the town issues permits pretty easily.

Centennial Gardens and Bird Sanctuary is a serene community oasis. Me as a visitor praise the…read moretranquil atmosphere, dedicated volunteer maintenance, diverse birdwatching, and community-driven events like the Fairy Forest Festival. The garden features themed areas including butterfly gardens, a Japanese garden, a rose garden, and raised vegetable beds. This is a local haven for birders, featuring birdhouses, a large pond, ducks, herons, and turtles. It. Includes a children's garden, winding paths, gazebos, murals, and a "Fountain of Remembrance". Maintained by volunteers and the Floral Park Conservation Society. Produce from the productive garden is regularly donated to those in need.

I've lived on this island for 35 years, and didn't know about this park until today. Aside from the…read morefact that the park doesn't open until noon, this was a perfect visit. I've been to bird sanctuaries and went away without seeing a bird, but not here. The park is on two levels, and they have spent years adding magical little features here and there. We were particularly impressed with the vegetable garden for donations to charity and what is literally a "Flower Bed." It's only 20 minutes from our house, so hopefully we will be repeat visitors.