State to Fund Upgrades for Orient Beach State Park

Orient Beach State Park is already a popular place for families — now, with the help of New York State, it’s even better.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced this week that $1.35 million is being invested into improvements for 10 state parks across Long Island in order to promote healthy, active living. Improvements to the existing playground at Orient Beach will create a “Maritime” theme, including a sailboat sandbox and seahorse spring rider.

“Orient Beach State Park is a jewel of the New York State park system,”
Assemblyman Dan Losquadro said. “This National Natural Landmark is a place
where residents take their children to participate in outdoor activities,
and now through the New York Works initiative improvements will be made to
the existing playground to celebrate the nautical character of the North
Fork. I would like to thank Governor Cuomo for allocating the funds to help
make these improvements possible.”

Other parks on the list for upgrades include:

Brentwood State Park, Brentwood – a new soccer-themed playground will be
installed at the park popular for its athletic fields used by youth sports
leagues.

Belmont Lake State Park, North Babylon – improvements to the existing
playground will create a “Bug” theme, including a dragonfly seesaw and
butterfly climbing structure.

Bethpage State Park, Farmingdale – improvements to the existing playground
near the picnic area will create a “Woodland Nature” theme, including
ladybug, bee and mushroom play structures.

Heckscher State Park, East Islip – improvements to the existing playground
will create a “Wildlife” theme with features that mimic the deer, osprey
and fox that live in the park.

Hempstead Lake State Park, West Hempstead – improvements to the existing
playground will create a “Carousel” theme, with colorful playground and
benches arranged in a circle, mimicking the nearby Carousel.

Hither Hills State Park, Montauk – improvements to the existing playground
will create a “Sea and Sand” theme, including a dolphin spring ride and sea
creature inlays in the rubberize surface.

Montauk Point State Park, Montauk – improvements to the existing playground
will create a “Surf and Tides” theme, including a ship’s bow play feature
and functional telescope.

Sunken Meadow State Park, Kings Park – a new “Animal Habitats” themed
playground will be installed, including birds nest and hollow log climbing
features near Field 4 East.

Valley Stream State Park, Valley Stream – improvements to the existing
playground will include creating a blue and green “Stream” theme, including
turtle-shaped climbing features and spring rides.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
oversees 178 state parks and 35 historic sites. For more information on any
of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com.