December 15, 2003

Toback & Banks: ‘Be Our Guest’
Kids can enjoy County museums and parks for FREE during holiday break

Mineola, NY—Nassau County Alternate Deputy Presiding Officer Jeffrey Toback (D-Oceanside), Department of Parks, Recreation & Museums Commissioner Doreen Banks and Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi today kicked off Nassau County’s second “Be Our Guest” week, announcing that the County’s parks and museums will be open during the holiday break, December 20-January 4, 2004, and that admission discounts will be available for children.

“We are declaring an end to Winter Recess boredom for the children and parents of Nassau County,” said Toback. “There is something for everyone to enjoy, from a free swim at the Aquatic Center to a visit to the Garvies Point Museum and Preserve for the special holiday film programming. All the events go a long way toward educating and entertaining children.”

Commissioner Doreen Banks adds: “We are looking forward to greeting Nassau County families to our parks, museums and preserves next week. We invite you to plan your entire week around the events. Bring your suits and towels to the Eisenhower Park Aquatic Center and lace up your skates for some fun at the Cantiague, Grant Park, and Christopher Morley Park ice rinks. Special programs are planned for the week, and the preserves have miles of trails to explore.”

Those museums and parks included in the “Be Our Guest” free admission giveaway are the Garvies Point Museum and Preserve in Glen Cove, and Tackapausha Museum and Preserve in Seaford.

“While we all struggle to do more with less, we hope this free pass to some of the County’s best museums and parks will give some relief to parents,” said Toback. “And when the kids ask, ‘What are we doing this week?’ parents can have a different answer every day of the week.”

Tackapausha Museum and Preserve
Washington Ave., Seaford
(516) 571-7443
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday 1-4 p.m.
One Child FREE with every adult admission ($2 adults) for the holiday weeks
The Tackapausha Museum and Preserve exhibits include habitat groups which show Long Island’s wildlife at different stages and seasons of development and a popular display that features a live owl and bats in a reversed day-night cycle, introducing observers to the world of nocturnal life. In addition, a small collection of live animals from the region is presented in displays and educational programs. The Museum offers live animal programs and video programs highlighting various natural history subjects.
Adjacent to the Museum is Tackapausha Preserve, a 77-acre tract of glacial outwash plain that is maintained in its natural state as a wildlife sanctuary.

African American Museum
110 North Franklin St., Hempstead
(516) 572-0730
Hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Free Admission*
This museum is primarily comprised of rotating exhibits, which showcase African American artistic talent while celebrating the rich history of African Americans in this country. Museum hours are Wednesday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Wednesday from 6 p.m.-9 p.m., Sunday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. * There is never a fee to visit the museum, however, during holiday week, visitors under the age of 12 will get a free gift.

Nassau County Aquatic Center
Eisenhower Park, East Meadow
(516) 572-0501
One (1) child’s admission Free* with each paying adult, Dec. 22, 23, 24 (closing Christmas Eve at 5 p.m.), 26, 29, 30, 31 (closing New Year’s Eve at 5 p.m.), January 2.
Hours: 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Bring your own towel
The Swimming and Diving Center, located at Eisenhower Park, has hosted such events as the Goodwill Games and the 1999 Empire State Games. Admission provides access to the swimming pool and locker room use only.

Grant Park
Broadway and Sheridan Avenues, Hewlett
(516) 571-7821
One (1) child’s admission free (including skate rental) with each paying adult. Discount is for weekday sessions only. Adult: $5, Senior: $1 (skate rental not included)
Sessions: Monday-Friday: 10 a.m.-Noon, 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m., Friday evening: 8:30-10:30 p.m.
Grant Park features an ice rink with sessions and charter sessions in the winter months. A seasonal sled hill is also available.

Cantiague Park
480 West John Street, Hicksville
(516) 571-7052
One child’s admission free (including skate rental) with each paying adult. Adult: $5, Senior: $1 (skate rental not included)
Sessions: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 10 a.m.-Noon, 3:30-5:30 p.m., Friday evenings 9-11 p.m.
Nassau County’s first indoor municipal rink, housed in attractive domed area with bleacher seating. Discount for weekday sessions only.

Christopher Morley Park
Searingtown Road, Roslyn Hills
(516) 571-8113
One child’s admission free (including skate rental) with each paying adult. Adult: $5, Senior: $1 (skate rental not included)
Sessions: Monday-Sunday: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 1:15-3:15 p.m., 4-6 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 8:30-10:30 p.m., Thursday and Sunday, 6:45-8:45 p.m. Discount for weekday sessions only.