Carnell T. Foskey, Commissioner

Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums

Dear Friends,

I am pleased to inform you about the current progress of our Parks Department as we enter the second year under County Executive Ed Mangano’s Administration.  Through our efforts this past year to reinvigorate the Nassau County Parks system we can affirm that abundant progress has taken place throughout our communities.  As we enter the New Year we are committed to continuing a practical approach to provide vast opportunities for Nassau County and its residents.  I would like to briefly share with you some of our projects that have highlighted this past season, as well as, preface the 2012-2013 season. 

Despite economic adversity and cutbacks the Parks Department has been able to make numerous improvements to our infrastructure.  A few development projects have taken place or are currently in process at Cantiague Park, Cedar Creek Park and Eisenhower Park.  There have also been improvements made to the Eisenhower Park Golf Course with redesigned bunkers for better play and new specials are now offered for early bird and twilight golfers.

County Executive Ed Mangano’s Administration has been able to create and support new information technology advancements that have provided more interactive opportunities to residents with the introduction of Nassau County sponsored Twitter and Facebook accounts.  Also, by introducing a website called Fit Nassau, information is provided to promote health and fitness as well as helping to advocate for the preservation of our environment. 

There has been successful adult fitness programs offered to Nassau County residents including Boot Camp, Land & Swim, Total Body Tone, Cardio Kickboxing, and Pre-Academy Conditioning Camp.     In addition to fitness programs we also host numerous athletic leagues and tournaments including Soccer, Basketball, Softball and Lacrosse.  The County Parks Department is also responsible for sponsoring special events throughout the year for example the recent Holiday Spectacular, Gingerbread Workshops and Candlelight Evenings/Craft Show.

It gives me great pleasure to announce that the Summer Recreation Program will be back for a third consecutive year.  We have seen great improvements with each successive year in regards to enrollment, program development, and staffing.  We look forward to our new partnerships with First Tee Golf, Quick Start Tennis, and other recreational workshops.   I am also pleased to announce that our program has expanded to a fifth location at Cow Meadow Park in Freeport.  Our new 2012 Summer Recreation Program brochure is now available at all Nassau County parks and can also be found on our website. http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/parks

In closing, we would like to thank the residents of Nassau County for your support during financially difficult times.  Under the leadership of County Executive Mangano we are committed to a focused strategy that will ensure the ongoing success of our parks system.