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Sunken Meadow State Park facts for kids

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Sunken Meadow State Park
Promenade Sunken Meadow State Park.jpg
Boardwalk at the beachfront at Sunken Meadow State Park
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Type State park
Location Rte. 25A and Sunken Meadow Parkway
Kings Park, New York
Nearest city Kings Park, New York
Area 1,288 acres (5.21 km2)
Created 1926 (1926)
Operated by New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Visitors 3,602,722 (in 2019)
Open All year
Website Sunken Meadow State Park

Sunken Meadow State Park, also known as Governor Alfred E. Smith State Park, is a large state park in New York. It covers about 1,287 acres (5.21 km2) and is located in Suffolk County, on the north shore of Long Island. The park is easy to reach using the Sunken Meadow State Parkway. It's a great place for outdoor fun and even has a big golf course.

Fun Things to Do at Sunken Meadow Park

Sunken Meadow State Park is open every day, all year, from when the sun comes up until it sets. There are tons of cool things to do here!

Enjoy the Beach and Boardwalk

Sunken Meadow State Park-Beach
Beach at Sunken Meadow State Park

The park has three miles (4.8 km) of beautiful beaches along the Long Island Sound. You can also walk or bike along a three-quarters-mile-long (1.2 km) boardwalk right by the water. It's perfect for a stroll or just enjoying the view.

Trails for Adventure

If you love exploring, you'll find six miles (9.7 km) of hiking trails. These trails are great for walking, biking, or even horseback riding. There are also areas for different watersports and other fun activities.

Sports and Play Areas

The park has lots of open spaces for general recreation. You can find playgrounds for younger kids, and fields for playing softball or soccer. It's a fantastic spot to get active with friends and family.

Golf Course Fun

Sunken Meadow State Park is home to a 27-hole golf course. You can play nine or 18 holes, and there's also a driving range to practice your swing. The first parts of the course were built in the early 1960s.

Challenge Yourself on the Cross Country Course

Steep Coast Sunken Meadow State Park
Steep coast and beach at Sunken Meadow State Park

The park is famous for its challenging cross country running course. Many high school and running clubs come here for competitions. The five-kilometer course includes a very tough section called "Cardiac Hill," which makes it one of the hardest courses in the whole US!

Connect to Other Parks

The 31-mile (50 km) Long Island Greenbelt Trail starts here. This trail is a long path that connects Sunken Meadow State Park all the way to Heckscher State Park, so you can explore even more of Long Island's natural beauty.

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