Wantagh Park facts for kids
Wantagh Park is a fun county park located in Nassau County, New York. It's found in the small community of Wantagh. This park is about 111 acres (0.45 square kilometers) big and offers many exciting activities right by the water. It's a great place for families and friends to spend time outdoors!
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Fun Things to Do at Wantagh Park
Wantagh Park has lots of different activities for everyone, whether you like sports, swimming, or just relaxing.
Sports and Games
If you love sports, Wantagh Park has plenty for you!
- You can play a round on the 18-hole mini-golf course.
- There are walking paths that are 1 mile and 2 miles (3.2 km) long, perfect for jogging or riding your bike.
- You'll find one basketball court for some hoops action.
- There are five tennis courts if you want to play a match.
- For baseball and softball fans, there are three softball fields and one baseball field.
- You can also enjoy rollerblading or roller skating at the roller rink.
During the summer, the ball fields are lit up so you can play even after the sun goes down!
Boating and Fishing Adventures
Wantagh Park is also a great spot for water activities.
- The park has a large marina where boats can dock.
- There's also a launch ramp if you want to bring your own boat. You'll need a permit and pay a fee to use these.
- The marina is home to the Wantagh Bay Yacht Club and the Royal Menehune Yacht Club.
- Just past the marina, you'll find a fishing pier. It's open all year and you can fish for free!
Awesome Swimming Complex
The park's swimming area is a huge hit, especially in summer!
- It has four different pools: an Olympic-sized pool for serious swimmers, a diving pool, a training pool, and a special "kiddie" pool for younger visitors.
- There's also an interactive water-play area, which is super fun.
- You can zoom down two exciting water slides, each 30 feet (9.1 m) tall!
- Showers, lockers, and places to buy snacks are all available.
- You'll find plenty of lounge and deck chairs to relax in by the pool.
In 2006, the pool at Wantagh Park was even named "Best Public Pool on Long Island" by the Long Island Press newspaper!
Other Cool Features
Wantagh Park offers even more ways to have fun:
- There are two playgrounds for kids: one in the northern part of the park and a newly built marine-themed playground near the tennis courts.
- Your furry friends can enjoy the enclosed astro-turf dog run, which is split into areas for large and small dogs.
- If you want to have a picnic, there are 12 picnic areas you can reserve. Plus, there's a first-come, first-served area at the front of the park.
- A community room is available to rent for special events like birthday parties.
- You can play a game of checkers or chess at the outdoor tables.
- The park also runs a Summer Camp Program for kids during the warmer months.
Special Events
On Memorial Day weekend, the Wantagh Bay Yacht Club hosts a special event called the "Blessing of the Fleet."
- This ceremony honors soldiers who have been lost in wars.
- A ceremonial wreath is placed in the marina.
- A boat with a clergyman then moves around the marina, blessing all the boats for the upcoming year.
- Flowers are dropped into the water, and the boats sound their horns to show they've received the blessing. It's a beautiful tradition!
