Norman Levy Park and Preserve facts for kids

Norman Levy Park and Preserve is a special place on the South Shore of Long Island in Merrick, New York. It's a park built on a hill, offering amazing views of the Manhattan skyline and the rest of Long Island. This park was once a landfill, but it was changed into a beautiful green space in the year 2000. It's the highest spot on Long Island's South Shore, reaching about 120 feet high. From this high point, you can see the New York City skyline, Jones Beach, and more.

Discover Norman Levy Park and Preserve

Norman Levy Park and Preserve is a unique park that offers a peaceful escape. It's a great spot for families to spend a day outdoors. You can walk along the trails or enjoy watching the animals that live there. The park is home to many different creatures, including goats, various birds, and even foxes. While foxes are rare, they have been seen more often in recent years.

Fun Activities for Everyone

The park has many things to do for visitors of all ages. Whether you like to be active or prefer a relaxed visit, there's something for you.

Exploring the Trails

The park has well-kept trails that lead you to the top of the hill. Along these paths, you'll find exercise stations if you want to get a workout. For a more relaxed experience, you can join a tour with one of the park rangers. These tours often include a visit to the pier that reaches into the bay.

Amazing Views and More

From the park, you can enjoy clear views of Long Island's horizon and Manhattan Island. Other fun activities include fishing and spotting different kinds of birds. During the summer months, from June to August, you can even go kayaking. Hiking is also a popular way to explore the park. Please remember that dogs and other pets are not allowed inside the park or preserve.

Meet the Park's Animal Helpers

Norman Levy Park and Preserve uses special animal helpers to keep the park looking great and healthy.

Goats on Duty

The park has Nigerian dwarf goats that help with park maintenance. Park rangers walk these goats along the trails several times a day. The goats eat the extra grass, bushes, and weeds. This helps to keep the plant growth under control naturally.

Guinea Fowl to the Rescue

You might also see guinea fowl at the park. These birds are important for controlling the tick population. They eat ticks, which is a natural way to manage these pests instead of using bug sprays.

Who Was Norman J. Levy?

The park is named after Norman J. Levy, a very important person from New York. He was a New York State Senator. Senator Levy was a strong supporter of protecting the environment. He also played a big role in creating the first law in the United States that made wearing seat belts mandatory. You can even see signs on the Meadowbrook Parkway that honor his work on seat belt safety.