Wantagh Park
Wantagh, 1 King Road, just south of Merrick Road
516-571-7460
On-site staff: Yes
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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.
Athletics:
- 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.
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 27, 2008, 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. - 7 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.
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 27
Four of Nassau County’s outdoor swimming pool complexes will open on Friday, June 27, with a fifth park, Nickerson Beach, opening its pools on June 21, announced Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi.
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 provide a summer of fun for adults, teens and youngsters with 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 with 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 at Cantiague Park, North Woodmere Park and Wantagh Park, with fees ranging by age and resident status (a valid Leisure Pass is required to receive the resident rate).
Daily fees are as follows: resident adult, $7; resident child (4-17 years of age), $5; senior, disabled, volunteer firefighter, ambulance corps, auxiliary police andveterans, $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.
At Cantiague, North Woodmere and Wantagh parks, seasonal passes for residents with Leisure Passes are also available for families ($225), individuals ($90) and seniors ($50) .
For specific hours and fees, click on the individual park.
Reservations for Picnic Areas Available Beginning February 4
Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi has announced that picnic reservations for the coming season may be made at Nassau County parks beginning Monday, February 4, 2008. Reservations may be made from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week (except where otherwise indicated) at 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.
