In 2016, I initiated “A Park a Day in May” challenge. Since than, every May I have highlighted parks across our Region. I am pleased to once again continue this tradition and challenge you to visit all of the parks I highlight this month. You may discover your new favorite park or parks you never knew existed. Every day this month, I will describe and post photos from a different local park. Take a photo of yourself at the park (preferably in front of the park’s sign, but definitely in a location that makes it obvious where you are).
May is Mental Health Awareness month and with that in mind, I wanted to focus this year’s “A Park A Day in May” series on mindfulness, meditation, reducing the stigma of mental health, and providing opportunities and outlets for people to connect with themselves, with others and with nature. Parks are places of calm and comfort. Parks provide beauty and are a diversion from challenging times. Parks offer relief, refreshment, peace and tranquility. Being outside in nature allows you to spot local wildlife, inhale fresh air, witness spectacular scenic views and even exercise. For more information about local mental health programs during Mental Health Awareness Month go to http://mhamonth.org/.
Stay safe, stay healthy and remember to watch out for ticks and leave no trace while hiking these parks. #APADIM #aparkaday
Thur. May 5, 2022 |
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Sans Souci County Park, Sayville
Sans Souci County Park is a 316 acre Nature Preserve located in Sayville, adjacent to the Suffolk County Girl Scout’s Camp Edey. Sans Souci is the French phrase for "without worry.” While hiking in this pristine preserve you will be able truly understand the meaning of this phrase. The winding well marked and easy to follow 3 miles of trails in this preserve offer shade from the sun, wind through hills in the northern section and show glimpses of the string of lakes in the southern section. Until the mid-1800s the lakes surrounding Sans Souci County Park were continuous; locals built small dams sectioning off the lake to turn the area into cranberry bogs. For those looking for a good geocaching site look no further; the preserve also has trail markers informing visitors about everything from plants to pollution, and water levels to fire damage. Leashed dogs are allowed at this county park. |
Wed. May 4, 2022 |
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Gardiner County Park, Bay Shore
Gardiner County Park, located in Bayshore, has beautiful views of the Great South Bay. This 231 acre park was previously owned by the Gardiner Family and that is how the park received its name. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails. There is a small and large dog run and a dog obstacle course located near the parking lot. There is also a playground and picnic tables. The trails are well groomed mostly packed sand and stroller and wheel chair accessible. At the end of the main trail there are stunning views of the bridge to the Robert Moses Causeway. A great spot to take a moment and listen to the water, and smell the salt air. There are many birds who call this park home, such as the red winged blackbird. See how many you can identify while visiting the park! Since this park is located near the marsh it can get buggy so remember to wear mosquito repellent and check for ticks if walking through high grass. |
Tues. May 3, 2022 |
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Setauket to Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail
Today I am highlighting the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail. This is the perfect local trail for the runners and biking enthusiasts in our community. Both picturesque and well-maintained, the Greenway Trail is ideal for winding down after a long day or week and taking in some much-needed fresh air and greenery. It cannot be said enough just how beneficial a quick walk through a nature trail is to our overall wellness and this trail is great for people who aren’t avid hikers and need a nature escape. While it is hilly, the trail is both well-paved and safe for beginners. The Greenway Trail is maintained by The Friends of the Greenway (https://www.threevillagecommunitytrust.org/greenway/), a volunteer organization who host regular cleanups and beautification projects along the trail. |
Mon. May 2, 2022 |
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 West Hills County Park, Melville
Picturesque, well-groomed nature trails, including the historic Walt Whitman Trail to Jayne's Hill (Long Island's highest peak, at an elevation of 400 feet), wind through this highly popular, mixed-deciduous forested park. West Hills flora and fauna include wild Mountain Laurel, Moccasin Flower, several fern species, salamanders, turtles, chipmunk, squirrel and red fox. Hiking, youth group camping, picnicking, playground, equestrian Center and stables, bridle paths (horseback riding permit is required) and a dog run are available. Camping at West Hills is offered to organized youth groups only. Campsites, lean-tos, and primitive shelters are available year-round. Reservations are required. Sweet Hollow Road Entrance has the large dog park and there is a small dog park located at the Round Swamp Road Entrance.
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Sun. May 1, 2022 |
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Old Field Farm County Park, Old Field
To kick off APADIM I am starting with Old Field Farm County Park. The 0.4 of a mile crushed gravel multiuse trail provides visitors with stunning views of this historic 13 acre equestrian show ground and of West Meadow Creek. Take a moment to sit on one of the benches (installed by a local boy scout) to enjoy the sunshine, and take in views of the creek, the Osprey’s flying overhead, and the wildlife that calls the marsh home. The western end of the park contains a small parking area which links to both West Meadow Beach and nearly two mile (down and back) paved trail maintained by the Town of Brookhaven.
The Farm is adjacent to 88 acres of protected wetlands overlooking Long Island Sound on the north and the West Meadow Creek wetlands to the south -- an area which has been designated “outstanding natural coastal area” (ONCA) by New York State. Long Island artists have found inspiration for their award-winning works in the Farm’s remarkable combination of man-made and natural beauty.
Long Island philanthropist Ward Melville built Old Field Farm, originally known as the North Shore Horse Show Grounds, in 1931. Melville commissioned architect Richard Haviland Smythe to create a unique equestrian facility located on a distinctive waterfront setting on Long Island’s North Shore. The stable complex is composed a Main Barn and courtyard, numerous free-standing stables and a large Old Fashioned wooden grandstand, all designed in the Colonial Revival style.
Equestrian and community activities are annually sponsored by Old Field Farm, Ltd., a nonprofit organization specifically created to restore and operate Old Field Farm County Park (https://longislandhorseshows.com). |
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