EISENHOWER PARK, Preparing for the 9/11 Memorial
Written: Sep 11 '04 (Updated Sep 10 '07)
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Pros: Easy to get to and so much to do.
Cons: A few to many add on $$$ for permits for large group picnics.
The Bottom Line: This is a fine park to spend time playing mini or regular golf and many other sports. It offers some fine picnic grounds that are close to many activities.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: Eisenhower Park |
Eisenhower Park is a 930 acre area that is larger than NYC's Central Park and is geographically smack dab in the middle of Nassau County, Long Island in NYS. Many who were lost in the Word Trade Center lived in Nassau County. The count is 281 persons of which one third were Firemen, Policemen, a Court Officer, and EMT.
UpDate 9/10 2006
The Nassau County 9/11 Memorial has been completed and was officially dedicated and open yesterday 9/09/2006.
end Update
The memorial, that was originally hoped to be finished for this September 11th, continues in construction. It is now slated for a spring dedication. The plans include two semi-transparent 30' high aluminum towers representing the WTC that rise above a reflecting pool. The names of the lost will be inscribed on a wall that will run behind the towers. Two large pieces of steel from the destroyed World Trade Center will also be prominently displayed on this lakeside property. I stopped by a day or two ago and it seem that, though a lot of work has been started, there's a lot more to be done before completion. A six foot or so likeness of the Twin Towers with pictures of the lost is within viewing distance from the fence that encircles the construction area.
I went down to Eisenhower Park on March 11, '04 in hopes to witness the ground breaking ceremony. Unknown to me was the fact that it was only open to families. President Bush was there as well as Governor Pataki, Rudy Giuliani, and local dignitaries. Unfortunately for me, I had to stay in an area well back and out of the line of sight of the ceremony. The president, according to what I read the next day, spent time with all the families and had tears in his eyes as he spoke to some of them. I hope to be at the memorial when it is dedicated this spring.
Update 03/31/05 The memorial is still under construction and though I have talked directly with office personal in the park, they could not tell me if it would be dedicated in the spring or September 11th, 2005.
MORE MEMORIALS
Though the 9/11 Memorial stands on its own, just across Salisbury Lake is an area that is home to many more memorials. The centerpiece of it all is the Veteran's Memorial that is dedicated to Vets of The Civil War, Spanish American War, WWI, WWII, Korean War and the Vietnam War. This large building has many other smaller memorials around it. A particularly interesting memorial is the POW/MIA structure of what looks to be a 4'x4'x10'high block of granite, with a circle of barbed wire on the top, that is housed in glass. This is in the middle of a field of flags that lead up to the Walls of Honor. This is where any Vet of any war, living or honored dead, can have their name engraved. There is a $100 contribution fee that will help fund the wall and three other memorials nearby. For more information go to
Nassau County Veterans Monument Fund Inc.
c/o Herb Blauert
P.O. Box 7717 Freeport NY.
1(516) 681-8214
Other memorials I have seen are dedicated to Catholic Vets and yet another to Jewish Vets. In the same area is a dedication plaque and garden to John F Kennedy. Nearby is the 1-in-9 Garden of Hope dedicated to the battle against breast cancer. Another memorial I know of is dedicated to the 7 Million Ukraine's who died under Soviet Russia Rule.
Just steps away from all these memorials is the Fire Fighters Memorial that is a bit closer to the road. All this memorial area is landscaped with beds of flowers, mostly annuals.
HARRY CHAPIN THEATRE
In between the Veteran's memorial Area and the future site of the 9/11 Memorial is a large amphi-theatre that was dedicated to song writer/singer Harry Chapin (Cats in the Cradle),who died in his prime. I followed him, his music and his fund raisers. He worked hard to fight against World Hunger and did much of his work locally. At this theatre are many free concerts that go on all summer. Just bring a picnic lunch and some lawn chairs or a blanket and sit under the stars and enjoy the party. The music and entertainment cater to the many diverse ethnic groups on Long Island. In addition other entertainment is played for the crowds. There are nearby restrooms for use and vendors for treats.
The huge lawn that is angled going down to the structure, so that everyone has a view, is adjacent to Salisbury Lake. During the summer months this is home to many model boat enthusiasts. It's also a relaxing and wonderful walk around the lake. It's not all that large. You will see many joggers in this area. There is no fishing that I know of here and definitely no swimming. I believe it's a man made lake that has concrete edging around it.
PICNICS and MORE
The park boasts over a dozen reserved picnic areas and many many first come picnic sites. Reservations have to be made early in the year. There is a fee of what works out to be $1.00 per person. 100 people = $100. See the park administration office for any ever changing details. We have gone into the park many times and never had a problem getting an area for a smaller group of 30 or so on first come first served. The park is huge. The later you come the further you may have to walk your supplies from one of the 10 or so parking lots to your tables. If you have a very large group, they charge you a $35 fee for having alcohol. No refunds or rain checks are given on any of the fees. The people that set all this up are very helpful but there are many rules and restrictions, though nothing that makes picnicking there a major problem.
I should mention now that being a county park one must have what they call a Leisure Pass. This costs too. It is $15 for a three year validation. I drivers license or proof of residency is needed. For group reserved area picnics, accommodations can be made for non-residents. Yes, there is a fee.
Most picnic areas have nearby restrooms, running water, nicely shaded picnic tables under trees and upright grills. Bring some aluminum foil for cooking, the grills are dirty. A couple of the reserved sites have limited electricity. Most of the park is very level. No real hills to note. I like the coolness of the park on a hot day. The canopy of old large trees do help.
ATHLETIC FIELDS
Throughout the park are many ball fields. There are at least three football fields that I know of and at four soccer fields. About a dozen softball fields dot the park, some are lighted, and it also has a couple of hardball fields. I have seen cricket played in one particular corner of the park a number of times, white uniforms and all.
If you need to practice your baseball swing you can check out the batting cages. I find these fun and you can go into a cage where the speed suits your talents. This is right next to the mini-golf course that is really a fine multi-level course. Our family has done this one a few times and it's equal to any of the better mini-golf courses anywhere.
MORE GOLF
Actually, much more golf. This park boasts three golf courses the Red, White, and Blue. If I recall one is lighted. I played that particular one as my first game thirty years ago. People tell me I played a good first game at what I told them was a 94. The problem was what I didn't tell them, that was the score for just 9 holes.
There is also a driving range under lights and another without. At the lighted one is an excellent pro shop that sells all brands and training equipment and some fun golf gift items. How about a grill cooking set with all the pieces having golf-club like handles.
AQUATIC CENTER
A number of years ago the county had a state of the art swimming pool and diving complex added to the grounds. Sorry, I can't tell you much about it except it is huge. It's the largest indoor pool I have ever seen and I have been told one of the largest in the North America. There is a daily use fee that is cut in half if you have your leisure pass.
AND MORE
Eisenhower Park has a children's safety town that is used by many schools. There are also other less known things to do in the park. Cross country skiing is done when there is snow and if you just want to use a sled with the kids go to parking lot #1 to Sled Hill.
During the summer you'll see many people riding bicycles in the park. My wife and I have done this and this park is perfect for it. Up until fairly recently you could have rented bikes in the park but that is now in the past. What has become very popular is in-line skating. This you will see throughout the park but there is also an area dedicated to the sport. It's near the batting cages. My family has made fun of me when I have put on my skates complete with elbow and knee pads. I skate and my wife biked while chuckling at the sight of me. The paths are paved, and during the week, the park is not very busy. That changes on summer holidays. Other weekends aren't so bad.
There are three children's playgrounds in the park. A couple are a bit dated but one is especially cool and the kids will like it. Actually they flock to all the playgrounds. We particularly like parking in field #4. This puts us near the mini-golf, batting cages, and one of the kids playgrounds.
This happens to be close to the 16 tennis courts too. I believe eight are lighted. I don't ever recall seeing a pro shop there. All around the park you may see horse shoe pins, Bocce courts and lawn bowling too. You must bring your own equipment.
...AND STILL MORE
There are a couple of food concessions in the park. We always bring in. We just use them for ice cream and such. Rest rooms are throughout the park and they are kept fairly clean, even on busy days, and are well stocked. Two first Aid stations that I am aware of are in the park.
At the end of a busy day the park workers start coming around cleaning up the picnic sites. You will see them getting to overloaded trash cans earlier in the day, if needed, too.
CARLTUN ON the PARK
Near the golf course area is a restaurant by the name of the Carltun. This is a premier Long Island Restaurant. It has a great looking bar for just stopping in during the afternoon. There are many affairs in the catering part of the restaurant. I have been to a number of them. They do a fine job. My wife and I have been to the Palm Court restaurant a few times. It's quite expensive! It is beautiful and the food preparation and presentation were superb. This place has an excellent wine list.
SOME HISTORY
At one time the park was known as the premier golf club on Long Island. There were actually 5 golf courses in the heyday what was known as the Salisbury Country Club. It wasn't until October of 1949 that this land was dedicated as a county park. That happened to be the month and year I was born. I always wondered if my birth had anything to do with it? :) Anyways the name Salisbury stuck until 1969 when the park was re-dedicated as the Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial Park. I remember it took a while to get the name correct in my mind. Today the park continues to evolve and grow. It is well maintained.
SUMMING IT ALL UP
This park is perfect for an easy bike ride or some mini-golf. A walk to a playground with the kids is wonderful too. I have to say that my wife and I have had some wonderful picnics in this park over the years.
I also like that it is a place that honors those who deserve it. Once again I hope to be there when the 9/11 Memorial is dedicated. We must always remember!
The Carltun, Palm Court Restaurant Right inside the park
Borrelli's Italian Restaurant Good Eats close to Eisenhower Park
Marriot Hotel Five minutes from Eisenhower Park
Cradle of Aviation Museum
Long Island Children's Museum
Old Bethpage Village Restoration Go Back to the 1800s
Sagamore Hill Teddy Roosevelt's Summer White House
Nassau Coliseum
Freeport's Nautical Mile A wonderful summer destination!!
Freeport's South Street Seaport annex museum
An Excellent book about Long Island Destinations
Discover Long Island: Exploring The Great Places From Sea To Sound
Long Island So much to so many
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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