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.
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.

 
NEWS BRIEF: In
its 2010 "Best of L.I." survey, the Long Island Press has
named Eisenhower

Park and Wantagh

Park among its top three parks on Long Island and the Eisenhower

Park golf facility as No. 2 among public golf courses (scroll
down to see information under "News & Events").

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:

• 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 "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.

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.

Patrons at Wantagh enjoy the fishing pier just beyond the marina.

Location