Definitely not the cleanest pond as there are times where there is trash in the pond itself. I work…read morenearby so sometimes I'll stop there on a lunch break to read a book. The birds and ducks are always cute so that is one plus. There is supposed to be a walking trail, but I tried walking it a couple of times to find it quite short and not much of a trail. There is a playground as well, but I have no experience with that part of the pond. And if you sit at the benches near the parking lot, chances you'll catch second hand cigarette smoke from the old guys who sit in their cars all day most days.

One stars because A little girl keep'd on going up the slide and we could go down and she refused…read moreto go down the slide instead she had to climb up the slide.

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.

My kids love the pool which is outdoors and has several different levels. Good enough to keep us…read morecool!

I came here with some friends on a hot summer day. I wish the playground had a bit more shade,…read moreparticularly on the swings. Nonetheless, the playground has some good offerings. It's nice that there are different equipment areas targeted for different ages, and they are far enough apart that the young kids won't feel too deprived. There's a big grassy, field area, and there is a bunch of seating under some shade once you're done with the playground.

Only reason why I give it any stars are for the life guards. Everything else is just not up to any…read morestandards. They need a pool kids can swim in with floats and it is all around just dirty looking. Not a fan at all

Very nice pool! Quiet, clean, all locals! They have 3 pools. A very large pool for everyone. A…read moresmaller pool for diving, 2 diving boards. They also have a small children's pool for just the little ones. There are ample lifeguards and they are very diligent. They are definitely watching, making sure everyone is safe and following the rules, are they are actually nice using words like buddy and dear to speak to the children. They have 2 nice locker rooms for males and females, showers, changing rooms. They also have a small con-session stand with food, drinks, candy, and ice cream. Right outside the pool area is a playground for the children. They have two overhangs inside the pool area for the people that prefer to sit in the shade. Come on down and enjoy a swim!

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.

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 visited this park because of friend lives here. She only knew about the tennis court and the ball…read morefield. I was happy to introduce here to this section of the park. Residency is suggested. The parked is pleasant and offers a lot for those that enter. The new picnic table are very inviting with enough to set a grill and barbeque. The have volleyball, basketball, handball, bike riding and the pool is a sight to see. The have a membership for the pool and guest can accompany the resident of the town. They have a huge parking lot with handicap parking, a museum across the street. The staff are friendly and the speak to you as well. It really is a nice park to visit, oh! and you can people watch if you are into that.

This is probably the epitome of the suburban, neighborhood park with its expected array of handball…read moreand basketball courts, playgrounds, and ample parking space. There's also a pool area but I believe it is for Hempstead residents only. There are some baseball fields that are utilized mainly by summer and Little League teams across the street from the pool. There's also a self-pitch batting cage that is open to the public. It's fun if you have someone who can throw straight balls so you can actually hit them. My brother is not one of these people as evidenced by the bruises along my arm, leg, and hip area. I usually only come here to play some pick up basketball but the courts are a bit uneven and when it rains, the water collects easily and leaves puddles all over the place. The only downside about Rath is that it shuts down at sunset, so there is no midnight basketball available for the gym rats. However, I did circumvent this by climbing the fence with a friend and playing some full-court 1-on-1 past 9pm without any night lights. We had to stop every once in a while because there were park keepers and popos driving by but for the most part we were gravy. The other downside that I must mention is that some of the kids in the area are obnoxiously immature and they tend to frequent this park at all times, day or night, so that may hinder the overall fun had depending upon proximity to these little rascals. I don't think there is a solution to that except better parenting but that doesn't seem to be a priority for some in the area.

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.