Message from Superintendent Jason R. Marra:
As we wait for further guidance from New York State (NYS), the Park District will remain closed but our parks are accessible as they have been since NYS enacted the Pause Plan back on March 22, 2020.
We believed then, as we do now, that many of our parks, trails and open spaces can continue to be used in a safe manner that allows our residents to enjoy the mental and physical health benefits our parks provide.
We know that now, more than ever, our parks are needed and the health and well-being of our community is top priority. This is why the Park District is taking additional steps to protect our residents and to prevent overcrowding in our parks. Starting Saturday, May 8, all residents will be required to have their GNPD Park Pass with them when using our facilities. No guests will be permitted at any park at this time, as social distancing of a minimum of 6 feet is required outside of immediate family members. Also, we are restricting the amount of vehicle parking and access at Steppingstone Park as our monitoring has indicated there have been times of overcrowding. We are capping the amount of total parking onsite to 60 vehicles. Once we have reached that capacity no further vehicles will be permitted access to park or drop off. Please note, there is no parking on the streets surrounding Steppingstone Park and enforcement of this restriction will take place. We encourage you to visit Steppingstone Park during off-peak times to avoid a chance of being turned away due to heavy usage. As you know, all of our parks are beautiful and unique and we encourage you to visit one that is within walking distance of your residence during peak usage times.
Though we still anticipate the current public health crisis will continue for some time, we are planning for our summer programming including tennis, pool, day camp, and special events. As we are provided further guidance from NYS, the Nassau County Board of Health, and the CDC, we will provide more information and make announcements. We are ready to bring our recreation programs back in a safe and socially acceptable way; STAY TUNED! In the meantime, we will continue to offer and expand our live stream recreational programs for the community. A separate notice will be provided regarding refunds of our cancelled spring programs shortly.
Finally, I would like to thank our Parks Maintenance workers for monitoring our parks during this challenging time to ensure they are safe for our community to enjoy. Please help us keep our parks safe and accessible for all. The following is a list of restrictions and recommendations when using our parks:
• Areas closed for public and private use are: ballfields, playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, the dog park, restrooms, spray pads, shelters/pavilions, and indoor facilities.
• Recreational activities must be limited to non-contact and you are required to maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet from others in public.
• Park Pass required for each member of your family.
• No guests permitted.
• Masks are strongly encouraged but are not mandatory when social distancing of 6 feet can be maintained in open spaces.
• Refrain from using parks or trails if you are exhibiting symptoms.
• Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to and during use of parks or trails.
• While on trails, warn other users of your presence and step aside to let others pass.