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. |
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 that are lighted in season (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:
- In the summer of 2008, the park introduced 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 more information below.)
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). There is also a section available for small non-reserved picnic groups.
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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).
In December 2006, the pool at Wantagh Park was named "Best Public Pool on Long Island " by Long Island Press, the weekly newspaper. The pool will open on June 29, 2009, and remains open through Labor Day.
- The pool complex includes various conveniences, including lockers, showers, a concession stand, and lounge and deck chairs.
- Hours: Mon.-Sun., 11 a.m. - 6:45 p.m.
- Fees (daily): resident adult, $7; resident child (4-17 years of age), $5; senior, disabled, vol. firefighter, ambulance corps auxiliary police, veterans, $3; non-resident adult , $20, non-resident child guest, $15. 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. |
Nassau County Outdoor Pools to Open for Summer Season on June 29
Four of Nassau County’s outdoor swimming pool complexes will open on Monday, June 29, announced Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi. The outdoor pools at Nickerson Beach Park are scheduled to open on June 20.
The County’s pool complexes include three comprehensive “water theme” facilities at Cantiague Park in Hicksville (571-7056), North Woodmere Park (571-7800) and Wantagh Park (571-7460).
The water theme parks incorporate Olympic-size swimming pools, diving pools, “kiddie” pools, interactive water-play areas and water slides. In December 2006, the pool at Wantagh Park, which features a beautiful waterfront location, was named "Best Public Pool on Long Island" by the Long Island Press, the weekly newspaper.
The large swimming complex at Christopher Morley Park (571-8113) in Roslyn-North Hills includes an Olympic-size pool, diving tank with boards, and a kiddie pool, all framed by a beautiful wooded preserve behind it. At Nickerson Beach Park (571-7700) in Lido, a 121-acre oceanfront park, there are two small pools as well as kiddie pools.
The pools at Cantiague, Christopher Morley, North Woodmere and Wantagh parks also offer swimming lessons for adults and children over the summer.
Pools are open seven days a week, but hours vary slightly by park, opening at either 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. and closing at either 6 p.m. or 7 p.m. Admission is available on a daily basis at all pools or on a seasonal basis.
Daily fees are as follows: resident adult, $7; resident child (4-17 years of age), $5; senior, disabled, volunteer firefighter, ambulance corps, auxiliary police and veterans, $3; non-resident adult, $20; and non-resident child guest, $15. A Leisure Pass is required for residents to receive the resident rate. The admission fee now includes access to the water slides at the three water theme parks.
Seasonal passes are also available for residents with Leisure Passes, with rates as follows: families ($225); individuals ($90); and seniors ($50).
County Executive Suozzi Introduces New Fitness Trail in Wantagh Park
County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi has unveiled the County’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.
“In keeping with my ‘Healthy Nassau’ initiative, we are continuing to add fitness stations to our parks that provide residents with a structured and accessible exercise regimen,” said Suozzi. “The Wantagh Park fitness trail offer residents one more reason to come out to this beautiful park and get fit.”
The Healthy Nassau initiative is designed to make Nassau County the healthiest county in the nation. Healthy Nassau programs have included creating the organic farm at Old Bethpage Village Restoration; initiating the “Biggest Loser” Weight-Off Competition for County workers; continuing to preserve the County's remaining open space; seeding 2 million shellfish in Hempstead Harbor; requesting the Health Department to consider banning trans fats and placing calorie counts on menus; and working with other large municipalities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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.
