Larger even than New York City’s Central Park, Nassau County’s Eisenhower Park spans 930 acres in East Meadow, New York. Yes, there is plenty of greenspace to take advantage of, whether you want to picnic in the park, sunbathe on your towel, or play a game of frisbee. However, the sprawling park offers plenty more to its patrons than just grassy knolls, making it a spot where you’ll definitely want to spend ample time.
Work Up a Sweat
Within the park, sports enthusiasts can take advantage of dozens of athletic fields and courts. Among them are two pickleball courts, two football fields, two cricket fields, 14 ballfields, 14 tennis courts, as well as two indoor NHL-sized skating rinks and an outdoor rink. Many of these fields are even equipped with lighting to allow fornighttime play. Additionally, Eisenhower Park has three 18-hole golf courses available (Red, White, and Blue courses), one of which was even hailed as one of the top 10 public golf courses on Long Island by Newsday. Golfers can also hit up the illuminated driving range that is open year-round and equipped with heated stalls. For those looking to practice their baseball and/or softball skills, the park also houses batting cages that can be adjusted to different speeds.
In addition to the many fields and courts available for recreational sports, there is also the Aquatic Center, which is home to both a 68-meter pool and a diving well. Each day the pool setup changes, offering lap lanes ranging from 50 to 25 meters, as well as 25-yard lanes. The diving well is equipped with both one- and three-meter springboards and a 10-meter competition diving tower. But, don’t let the prestige of pools intimidate you—there is also a shallow section for free swimming and water exercise. Within the Aquatic Center you can also find the Fitness Center, where you’ll have access to professional exercise equipment ranging from free weights and Cybex weight machines to treadmills and bikes.
Those who want to take advantage of the season’s sunshine can hit up the park’s Fitness Trail, a two-mile pathway great for both running and walking, which also has fitness stations spread out along the way. These 20 stations promote different exercises in the great outdoors—pull-ups, balance walking, and sit-ups all included.
Kid-Friendly Activities and Accessibility
There are plenty of opportunities at the park for the whole family to have fun. For the younger crowd, there’s an 18-hole miniature golf course that features two separate courses (Orange and Blue) open on weekend afternoons and evenings. There are also three playground areas that have everything a kid could want, from slides and swings to climbing and even a sprinkler pool. The Aquatic Center also offers swimming lessons for children of all ages.
One of the three playgrounds is equipped with designs suited for both abled and disabled children to play, and one of the many ball fields in the park is designed for those using wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility devices. The field, designed with the help of League of YES, hosts games of all sorts—from softball and baseball to basketball.
More Outdoor Fun
For more leisurely gaming, patrons can cozy up to some of the designated chess and checkerboard tables or start up a game of cards. Nearby, there is also a bocce ball court if that’s more your style.
While strolling through the park, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for some of the beautiful memorials on site. At Eisenhower Park you’ll find a 9/11 Memorial, along with two memorials dedicated to Nassau County firefighters. You’re also sure to come across the Veterans Memorial and Walls of Honor that pay tribute to the country’s veterans.
You’ll also want to keep apprised of the park’s Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre. This outdoor theater hosts an array of events throughout the summer, including concerts, movies, and even fireworks displays.
So, what’s the best way to take advantage of all the festive fun Eisenhower Park has to offer? Nassau County residents can easily obtain a Leisure Pass to score access to many of the facilities, with discounts to the golf courses, pools, and skating rinks.
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