VALLEY STREAM STATE PARK Directions: The Valley Stream State Park is located in Nassau County, Long Island, New York. It is 18 miles from Manhattan, on the Southern State Parkway within the Town of Hempstead. Valley Stream State Park is one of three state parks located in the Town of Hempstead and, like Hempstead Lake State Park, originated as a feeder reservoir for the Ridgewood Reservoir. Contact Information: Valley Stream State Park Phone: (516) 825-4128 Entrance Fee: $4 per car from May 25-Sept. 2, weekends/holidays Sept. 7-Oct. 14. Smallest of Long Island's state parks with 97 acres, Valley Stream centers on ball fields, playgrounds and picnic areas. Overview: The Valley Stream State Park covers an area of almost 100 acres. It is not large as compared to other Long Island Parks but it is substantial by any measure for a densely populated and key residential area. It has facilities for a variety of sports and games. The park offers picnic areas with tables, fireplaces and grills; children's play areas; horseshoe, volleyball, basketball, bocce ball courts; ball fields; nature trails, and cross-country ski trails. The Valley Stream State Park is known in keeping children happy. The Squirrel Nut and Hickory Nut nature trails give children the opportunity to explore the various habitats within the park. A walking track is one of the most used features of the Valley Stream State Park. There are also a number of exercise stations around the walking track, where people can indulge in their favorite routines. The Arthur J. Hendrickson Park is just across the road, and combines well with the Valley Stream State Park, to satisfy the exercise needs of serious joggers. It is a unique outdoor exercise adventure with a focus on cardiovascular fitness, vitality and longevity for all ages. Since the Park is less than 20 miles driving time from Manhattan on the Southern State Parkway, you do not have to be a Hempstead resident to enjoy a picnic or an informal social event at the Valley Stream State Park in Long Island. Grills are available so that you can serve hot meals and Pavilions are also available for large groups. People cooped up in studios and small apartments anywhere in Manhattan or Long Island can come to the Valley Stream State Park to stretch their legs, have communion with nature and to spend quality time in a great outdoor location. Facilities: New picnic pavilion (June), 2-mile biking/hiking trail, exercise trails, 5 horseshoe pits, 2 basketball courts, 4 softball fields, 2 boccie courts, 2 playgrounds, volleyball courts, board games; snack bar in summer; cross-country skiing in winter; 2 environmental trails, self-guided tour. Seasons/Hours: Open year round, except for Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Pets: Strictly, no pets allowed. Events: Children's shows and environmental education programs July-August, and Cross-country clinic (dates not set). Attractions:
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