Wantagh Park
Wantagh, 1 King Road, just south of Merrick Road
516-571-7460
On-site staff: Yes
Click here for Google map
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| A couple enjoys the beautiful water view at Wantagh Park. |
NEWS BRIEF: Beginning Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, non-Nassau County residents will be charged a $10 parking fee on weekends.
Wantagh Park, located in southeastern Nassau County, has been part of the county park system
since 1961. Consisting of 111 acres, the park
provides a waterfront location and numerous opportunities for recreation, along with seating areas that allow visitors to relax and enjoy the magnificent view. Among the more unique events taking place at the park is the annual Basset Hound Olympics, which draws particpants from around the New York area.
Athletics/Physical Activities::
- There are five tennis courts (Leisure Pass and fee required);
- and one basketball court.
- Athletic fields include three softball fields and one baseball field, two of which are lighted (permits required).
- There are 1-mile and 2-mile walking paths
that can also be used for bicycle riding and jogging.
Fitness Trail:
- A two-mile Fitness Trail that provides a jogging or walking trail and 20 attractive and simple fitness stations that incorporate a variety of exercises. These include stretching, pull-ups, sit-ups and balance walking exercises that increase slightly in difficulty as the trail proceeds. The trail begins by the entrance to the park and winds around the park before ending by the marina. See "News & Events below for more information.
Family/Kids:
- A playground located at the north end of the park has apparatus appropriate for toddlers through teens.
- There are eight reserved (fee) picnic areas, which include barbecue equipment, and one sheltered area (permit required).
Leisure Pass and fee required for reserved areas
There is also a section available for small non-reserved picnic groups. See "News & Events" below for more information.
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| The large swimming complex offers a variety of different pools and activities for children and adults. |
Swimming:
- A swimming complex (fee required) includes an Olympic-sized main pool, a diving pool, a “kiddie” pool, training pool, an interactive water-play area and two
waterslides (30 foot).
- The pool complex includes various conveniences, including lockers, showers, a concession stand, and lounge and deck chairs.
The pool will open on June 25, and remain open through Labor Day.
- Hours: Mon.-Sun., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
- Fees (daily): resident adult, $7; resident child (4-17 years of age), $5; resident senior, disabled, vol. firefighter, ambulance corps auxiliary police, veterans, $3; non-resident adult, $25, non-resident senior & child, $19. A Leisure Pass is required for residents to receive the resident rate.
Seasonal passes are also available for residents with Leisure Passes, with rates as follows: families ($225); individuals ($90); and seniors ($50).
Boating & fishing:
- Launch ramp permits are available seasonally or daily (fee required; permit obtainable at the Park Administration Office).
- A fishing pier just beyond the marina is open year-round,
weather permitting.
- Marine boat slips are also available.
Dog run:
- A dog run includes separate areas for big and small dogs; it is located just up from the administation building. Please note that dogs are not allowed in any County parks or preserves, with the exception of the dog runs.
Other:
- Bocci and horseshoe courts are available, along with a game area for chess and checkers and a senior citizen gazebo.
Directions:
Take the Southern State Parkway to Exit 27 South (Wantagh Parkway). Exit off the Wantagh Parkway at Sunrise Highway East. Make a right onto Wantagh Avenue. Take to the end and make right onto Merrick Road. At first light make a left into park.
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| Patrons at Wantagh enjoy the fishing pier just beyond the marina. |
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County Parks Begin Accepting Picnic Reservations in February
Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano announces that picnic reservations for the coming season may be made at Nassau County parks beginning in February. Reservations can be made for the following parks:
Reservations must be made in person at park locations, and a valid Leisure Pass and appropriate payment (fees depend upon group size) must be presented to obtain a confirmed reservation. Payment can be made by cash, check (made out to “Treasurer of Nassau County”) or credit card (at some locations). “Rain-or-shine” shelter areas are available at Cedar Creek Park, Rev. Arthur Mackey Sr. Park, Nickerson Beach Park and Wantagh Park.
County regulations require that 75% of all picnic participants be Nassau County residents. A special permit is required for the use of alcoholic beverages, and this permit must be purchased at least one week in advance of any reserved or unreserved picnic. To make catering arrangements, patrons must contact the park concessionaire, Dover Caterers, at 516-933-4444, ext. 12 or 16. Picnic reservations must be secured from the individual park before catering can be arranged.
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Nassau County Introduces New Fitness Trail in Wantagh Park
Nassau County has unveiled the Parks Department ’s third fitness trail, located in Wantagh Park. The 2-mile trail joins similar trails that have been installed during the past year at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow and Christopher Morley Park in Roslyn-North Hills.
The trail, which begins near the entrance to Wantagh Park and winds around the park before ending by the marina, provides 20 attractive and simple fitness stations that incorporate a variety of exercises, such as stretching, pull-ups, sit-ups and balance walking. Each station has posted instructions that include additional information, including target heart beat guide.
The cost of the stations was underwritten by the Nassau County Sports Commission and installation was done by volunteers from Deloitte Tax LLP on Long Island. The low-maintenance fitness stations are made of a mix of treated Southern yellow pine timbers and steel tubing.
