Grant Park in Hewlett

Grant Park is a 35-acre public recreational park located at 1625 Broadway in Hewlett, within the Town of Hempstead in Nassau County, Long Island. Operated by Nassau County, the park is one of the principal outdoor recreational destinations serving the Five Towns region, offering athletic facilities, playgrounds, a fishing lake, walking and jogging paths, picnic areas and seasonal activities for visitors of different ages.

Located near the intersection of Broadway and Sheridan Avenue, Grant Park combines organized sports facilities with quieter recreational areas. Families visit for the playgrounds and seasonal spray pool, athletes use its courts and ballfields, and walkers and anglers enjoy the landscaped lake and surrounding pathways. The park provides a substantial public green space in one of southwestern Nassau County’s established suburban communities.

Grant Park has been part of the Nassau County park system since 1955. Its development reflects the county’s expansion of public recreational facilities during the decades when Long Island’s population and suburban neighborhoods were growing rapidly. Today, the park remains an important destination for residents of Hewlett, Woodmere, Lynbrook and neighboring communities.

History and Development of Grant Park

The land now occupied by Grant Park has a history extending back to the agricultural development of southwestern Long Island. Historical accounts associate the property with a farm owned by a family named Grant, from which the park derives its name.

During the early 20th century, portions of the property were used for sand excavation. This industrial activity altered the landscape before the site was acquired for public recreation. The park’s present-day lake and varied terrain reflect a property that underwent substantial changes before becoming a county recreational facility.

Nassau County began acquiring the property in 1955, during a period of significant suburban growth. As residential development expanded across the South Shore, public parks became increasingly important for recreation, organized athletics and community gatherings.

Grant Park opened to the public in 1965, eventually developing into a multipurpose recreational complex. Its athletic courts, playgrounds, skating facilities, picnic areas and lake made it an important addition to the county’s network of public parks.

Today, the property continues to serve the recreational needs of surrounding communities, combining traditional neighborhood park activities with facilities for organized sports and seasonal programs.

Grant Park Lake and Fishing

One of Grant Park’s most distinctive features is its freshwater lake, which occupies a substantial portion of the park and provides a scenic setting for walking, jogging and fishing.

A paved pathway follows the shoreline, allowing visitors to enjoy views of the water while exercising or taking a leisurely stroll. The lake and surrounding landscaped areas offer a quieter environment than the athletic courts and playgrounds elsewhere in the park.

Fishing is permitted at the lake, making Grant Park a convenient destination for local anglers who prefer a freshwater setting without traveling to larger parks or reservoirs. Anglers may encounter freshwater fish such as bass, although catches and fishing conditions vary.

Visitors planning to fish should comply with applicable New York State freshwater fishing regulations and licensing requirements. Fishing rules, permitted areas and seasonal conditions should be confirmed before visiting.

The lake also contributes to the park’s visual appeal throughout the year. During spring and summer, the surrounding vegetation provides a green backdrop, while autumn brings seasonal changes in the trees and landscaping.

Walking, Jogging and Outdoor Fitness

Grant Park offers pathways suitable for walking, jogging, casual bicycling and other forms of outdoor exercise. The paved route around the lake is particularly popular because it provides a relatively level setting with views of the water.

Visitors can combine a walk around the lake with additional pathways throughout the recreational complex. The park’s compact size makes it practical for shorter exercise sessions, while repeated circuits provide opportunities for longer walks or runs.

Outdoor workout stations add another fitness option. Nassau County identifies exercise equipment including rowing and step-climbing stations, allowing visitors to incorporate basic strength and conditioning activities into their park visits.

These facilities make Grant Park useful for residents seeking outdoor exercise without needing to participate in organized sports. Walkers should remain aware of other park users, particularly in areas shared with bicycles or near athletic facilities.

Basketball, Tennis and Handball Courts

Grant Park contains an extensive selection of athletic courts serving recreational players and organized activities. Nassau County lists three basketball courts, four tennis courts and four handball or paddleball courts within the park.

The basketball courts provide opportunities for casual games, practice and recreational play. Tennis facilities serve residents interested in singles or doubles matches, while the handball and paddleball courts offer additional choices for court sports.

Court availability can vary depending on seasonal schedules, maintenance, organized programs and applicable county policies. Some facilities may require fees or reservations, particularly during periods of organized use.

Visitors planning a specific athletic activity should contact the park office to confirm current court access, operating hours and any permit requirements.

Baseball, Softball and Organized Sports

Grant Park also provides athletic fields used for baseball, softball and youth sports. The park includes three baseball and softball fields that can accommodate different types of organized play, including Little League and girls’ softball.

The fields are an important resource for local sports organizations, school-related activities and community recreation programs. Their presence makes Grant Park more than a casual neighborhood park, supporting organized athletic activities within the broader Five Towns region.

Permits are required for certain organized field activities, and field availability may be affected by league schedules, maintenance and weather conditions. Groups interested in reserving athletic space should contact Nassau County Parks rather than assuming that an open field is available for organized use.

Additional recreational activities may be offered through seasonal programming or community organizations, although specific sports and schedules can change from year to year.

Children’s Playgrounds and Family Recreation

Grant Park is particularly well suited to families with children because its playground facilities are designed to accommodate different age groups.

The playground complex includes separate areas for preschool-age children, children approximately four to eight years old, and older children approximately nine to twelve years old. This arrangement allows families to select play equipment more appropriate for their children’s ages and abilities.

Play structures provide opportunities for climbing, sliding and other outdoor activities. The playgrounds are located within the larger recreational complex, allowing families to combine playtime with walks, picnics or other park activities.

The park’s variety of facilities makes it useful for families with children of different ages. Younger children can enjoy the playground while older children and adults participate in sports, walk around the lake or spend time in the picnic areas.

Seasonal Spray Pool and Summer Activities

During the warmer months, Grant Park offers a seasonal spray pool where children can enjoy water play. The spray area provides a recreational alternative to a conventional swimming pool and is particularly popular during hot summer weather.

The spray pool generally operates during the summer season, with Nassau County identifying Labor Day as the typical end of its operating period. Opening dates, daily hours and weather-related closures may vary.

Families should distinguish the spray pool from a traditional swimming facility. It is intended for interactive water play rather than lap swimming or other conventional pool activities.

Because water-play facilities are seasonal, visitors should confirm that the spray pool is operating before making a special trip. Children should be supervised while using the facility.

Winter Ice Skating and Seasonal Recreation

Grant Park has a longstanding association with outdoor ice skating and winter recreation. The park has hosted seasonal skating activities, including an outdoor skating facility used for public sessions and organized programs.

Winter skating availability depends on Nassau County’s current operating schedule, weather conditions and facility maintenance. Public sessions, admission charges and equipment arrangements may vary by season.

Visitors should not assume that skating is permitted simply because the lake appears frozen. Natural ice conditions can be unpredictable, and skating should take place only in areas specifically opened and authorized by Nassau County.

Historically, the park has also offered sledding opportunities when sufficient snowfall permits. As with other winter activities, conditions and access are subject to county rules and weather.

Anyone planning a winter visit should consult the official Nassau County Grant Park page for current skating announcements and seasonal information.

Picnic Areas and Outdoor Gatherings

Grant Park includes picnic facilities suitable for casual outings, family gatherings and organized group events. The county identifies one unreserved picnic area and two reservable picnic areas, with barbecue equipment available.

The unreserved area provides an option for visitors planning a smaller outing without arranging a formal group reservation. Larger gatherings and events requiring designated picnic space may need advance reservations.

Nassau County requires a Leisure Pass and applicable fees for reserved picnic areas. Reservation procedures, permitted group sizes and facility availability may change, so visitors should contact the park office before organizing an event.

The combination of picnic facilities, playgrounds, walking paths and recreational fields makes Grant Park a practical location for family outings that include several different activities.

Wildlife and the Park’s Natural Setting

Although Grant Park is primarily a developed recreational facility, its lake, lawns and landscaped areas provide habitat for birds and other wildlife commonly found in suburban Nassau County.

Visitors may observe waterfowl and other birds around the lake, particularly during seasonal migrations and periods when the water is open. The surrounding trees and vegetation also provide opportunities for casual nature observation.

Grant Park should not be confused with a large nature preserve or wilderness area. Its principal purpose is recreation, and much of the property consists of managed athletic fields, playgrounds, pathways and landscaped grounds.

Nevertheless, the presence of the lake and green space adds ecological and scenic value to an otherwise heavily developed suburban setting. Visitors can enjoy the water and surrounding vegetation while remaining close to residential neighborhoods and commercial streets.

Location Within Hewlett and the Five Towns

Grant Park is located in Hewlett, one of the communities traditionally associated with the Five Towns. Its position along Broadway makes it accessible from nearby residential neighborhoods and the commercial corridor connecting Hewlett with Woodmere.

The park also serves residents of neighboring Lynbrook, East Rockaway, Cedarhurst and Lawrence. These communities are closely connected through local roads, schools, shopping districts and public transportation.

Unlike municipal parks restricted to residents of a particular incorporated village, Grant Park is operated as part of the Nassau County park system. Nevertheless, certain reserved facilities and activities may have eligibility requirements, fees or Leisure Pass provisions.

The park provides an important recreational resource for the western South Shore, where available open space is limited by extensive residential and commercial development.

Getting to Grant Park

Grant Park’s street address is 1625 Broadway, Hewlett, NY 11557, but its primary entrance is located on Sheridan Avenue. Visitors using navigation systems should pay attention to this distinction to avoid arriving at the wrong side of the property.

Drivers traveling from the Southern State Parkway can use Exit 19 South for Peninsula Boulevard. Continue south through Lynbrook, then follow the local route toward Rockaway Avenue, Broadway and Sheridan Avenue. The park entrance is on Sheridan Avenue near the Nassau County Police Department’s Fourth Precinct.

Visitors traveling by public transportation can use the Hewlett station on the Far Rockaway Branch of the Long Island Rail Road, followed by a local connection or walk. Nassau Inter-County Express bus service also operates in the surrounding area, although routes and schedules should be checked before traveling.

Parking is available at the park, but demand may increase during youth sports activities, summer weekends and organized events. Visitors should observe posted parking restrictions and follow county directions when special activities are taking place.

Visitor Information and Planning Tips

Grant Park offers activities throughout the year, although individual facilities operate on different seasonal schedules. Athletic courts, pathways and playgrounds may be available during regular park hours, while the spray pool, skating facilities and organized recreational programs have more limited operating periods.

Families planning a summer visit may wish to combine the playgrounds and spray pool with a picnic. Visitors interested in exercise can use the walking paths, outdoor fitness equipment and athletic courts. Anglers should bring appropriate equipment and comply with freshwater fishing regulations.

For organized athletic events or reserved picnic gatherings, advance coordination with Nassau County is recommended. Some facilities require permits, reservations, Leisure Pass eligibility or payment of applicable fees.

Visitors with mobility concerns should be aware that the park contains a mixture of paved pathways, recreational surfaces and landscaped areas. The lake pathway provides a paved walking option, but accessibility can vary among individual facilities. Contacting the park office in advance is advisable for specific accessibility questions.

Current park information is available from Nassau County Parks or by calling 516-571-7821. Checking current hours and facility conditions is particularly important for skating, water play and other weather-dependent activities.

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Grant Park, Hewlett, New York

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Key Facts and Details

Park Name	Grant Park
Address	1625 Broadway, Hewlett, NY 11557
Main Entrance	Sheridan Avenue, near Broadway
Community	Hewlett
Town	Town of Hempstead
County	Nassau County
Region	Five Towns, South Shore of Long Island
Park Type	Public county recreational park and athletic complex
Operated By	Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums
Size	Approximately 35 acres
County Park System	Since 1955
Historical Opening	1965, according to historical accounts
Historical Land Use	Former agricultural property and sand excavation area
Primary Attractions	Fishing lake, playgrounds, sports courts, athletic fields, walking paths and picnic areas
Lake	Freshwater lake with shoreline walking path
Fishing	Permitted subject to applicable New York State regulations
Walking and Jogging	Paved lake pathway and additional park paths
Outdoor Fitness	Workout stations including rowing and step-climbing equipment
Basketball Courts	Three
Tennis Courts	Four
Handball and Paddleball Courts	Four
Baseball and Softball Fields	Three fields, with permits required for organized use
Playgrounds	Separate play areas for preschoolers, ages four to eight and ages nine to twelve
Summer Water Play	Seasonal spray pool, generally operating through Labor Day
Winter Recreation	Seasonal ice skating and possible sledding, subject to county announcements and conditions
Picnic Facilities	One unreserved area and two reservable picnic areas
Barbecue Facilities	Available in designated picnic areas
Picnic Reservations	Leisure Pass and applicable fees required for reserved areas
Admission	General park access; certain activities and reserved facilities may require fees
Parking	On-site parking available; observe posted restrictions
Public Transportation	Hewlett station on the Long Island Rail Road Far Rockaway Branch, with onward local travel
Nearby Communities	Woodmere, Lynbrook, East Rockaway, Cedarhurst and Lawrence
Park Telephone	516-571-7821
Official Website	Nassau County Grant Park Information

Grant Park is one of the most versatile public recreational destinations in southwestern Nassau County, offering a combination of athletic facilities, family recreation, freshwater fishing and outdoor exercise within the established suburban community of Hewlett. From its development as part of the county park system in the 1950s to its present role serving residents throughout the Five Towns, the 35-acre property has provided generations of Long Islanders with accessible opportunities for sports, relaxation and community gatherings. Whether visiting for a walk around the lake, an afternoon at the playground, a family picnic or a seasonal recreational activity, Grant Park remains an important part of the outdoor recreational landscape of Long Island.