Hempstead Lake State Park is an extensive 737 acre park that is located in West Hempstead, featuring a quick-access entrance on exist 18 from South State Parkway. This park is home to the biggest fresh water lake in Nassau County, NY, Hempstead Lake. In 1870, it was proposed that the lake should supply water to New York’s Brooklyn. Following this proposal, Hempstead Creek (Mill River) was dammed, following a 167 acre reservoir. After Brooklyn was annexed by New York City in 1898, the reservoir’s purpose as a water source became obsolete.
In 1925, the route at South State Parkway was set up on the reservoir’s grounds, which saw the property being designated as a State Park. In the year 1947, another dam, the earthen dam, was built across Lake Hempstead’s northern third. This straightened Parkway’s route across the lake.
Today, Hempstead Lake State Park, is a multi-purpose facility. Here, there are six pickle-ball courts, 18 tennis courts, basketball courts, kids’ playgrounds, hiking trails, horseback riding bridle trails and shaded picnic areas, not to mention the historic hand-crafted wooden carousel. If you plan on hosting a large party, fret not; the park has a picnic pavilion that is available for rent. You only need to head to the permit’s department to obtain the necessary permits. You can make an appointment to use the Carousel Party Room at a $350 fee for a three hours long event. At the party, guests can enjoy free carousel rides.
If you are big on fishing, Hempstead Lake State Park has got you covered, seeing as it is home to 3 fish ponds. You can use both car tops and inflatable boats that have been certified by the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association, and an annual permit from the park. The three ponds, South Pond, Hempstead Lake, and McDonald Pond, are all stocked with trout, especially during the fall season. So be sure to grab your fishing gear at around this time for a full catch. Other fish species available include chain Pickerel, Largemouth bass, Yellow Perch, Bullhead Catfish, Sunfish, Carp and Black Crappie.
Hempstead Lake State Park has one fairly-prized pavilion, whose prize is anything between $200 to $250 depending on the day and season. The pavilion can accommodate about 300 people in one sitting. To check the pavilion’s availability, or any other information regarding pavilion reservation, you always visit the park’s website. The park is also pet friendly, only that visitors are restricted to a maximum of two in day use areas, unless there is a restriction by directive or sign. The pets should be supervised on leash, or be within a 6 ft. distance from the owner. Sometimes, you will need to provide a rabies inoculation, so be sure that your dog’s documents are available.
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