NYS and county park access passes: How to get them
Robert Moses State Park. Credit: Newsday/Thomas A. Ferrara
COUNTY PARKS ACCESS PASSES
NASSAU
A cyclist rides on a shaded path along the shore of McDonald Pond in Hempstead Lake State Park. Credit: Jeff Bachner
The Nassau County Leisure Pass identifies its holder as a county resident, and it is required to access many county recreational facilities. Leisure Pass holders enjoy discounts at golf courses, swimming pools, ice rinks, tennis courts, parks and beaches, marinas and cabanas; $36 for three years. Some park system amenities are available to non-Nassau residents for a fee. Residents 13 years or older (and golfers of all ages) must show a Leisure Pass.
Seniors (older than 60) can pay a one-time fee of $30 for a Leisure Pass but must verify Nassau County residency every three years. Specially marked Leisure Passes also are offered to veterans, civic volunteers and people with disabilities for a one-time fee of $30, with proof of residency required every three years.
Obtain passes at Bay Park, Cantiague Park, Cedar Creek Park, Christopher Morley Park, Eisenhower Park (Aquatic Center, Golf Course, Administration Building), Grant Park, North Woodmere Park, Wantagh Park and Mitchel Athletic Complex: Nassau County Rifle & Pistol Range. If your Leisure Pass is lost or damaged, you can obtain a replacement for $5. INFO: 516-572-0200, nassaucountyny.gov/parks.
SUFFOLK
Frank Fox, of Dix Hills, rides his bicycle over the wooden foot bridge which straddles Sunken Meadow Creek. Credit: Rick Kopstein
Suffolk County parks are open to all, but Green Key cards often provide discounted fees for Suffolk residents. Resident Green Key cards, $30 for county residents 18 and older, are valid for three years. Discounted resident Green Key cards are available to seniors (60 and older), juniors (under 18), active military personnel, veterans, and people with disabilities; $15, valid for three years. Disabled Veteran Green Key cards are free. Green Key cards are sold year-round at the following parks: Blydenburgh, Cathedral Pines, Indian Island, Sears Bellows, Smith Point, West Hills, and the West Sayville Parks Operations Office. In addition Green Key cards are sold in-season (Memorial Day-Labor Day) at the following: Bergen Point Golf Course, Cedar Point, Cupsogue, Indian Island Golf Course, Montauk, Shinnecock East, Southaven, Timber Point Golf Course, and West Sayville Golf Course.
The county also offers nonresident VIP Green Key cards for $200 (some exceptions may apply), or for $50 to use the reservation system for golf or camping; valid for one year. INFO: 631-854-4949, nwsdy.li/greenkey.
STATE PARKS ADMISSION PASSES
The Empire Pass provides unlimited day use vehicle entry to most facilities operated by the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Empire Pass cards, which can be shared within a household, are $80 for one year, $205 for 3 years or $320 for 5 years, a Lifetime Empire Pass is $750, $742 for a digital pass. Passes can be purchased online or at most state parks or state park regional office. INFO: 518-474-0458
Elvira Solis, of Elmhurst Queens, grills lunch for her family during a visit to Orient Beach State Park in Orient. Credit: Randee Daddona
Through the Golden Park Program, New York State residents 62 and older can obtain free vehicle access to state parks, boat launch sites and arboretums (exceptions include Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park) and fee reduction to state historic sites and state-operated golf courses on non-holiday weekdays by presenting a current valid New York State Driver's License or Non-Driver Identification Card. INFO: 518-474-0456
An Access Pass allows New York State residents with a disability to obtain free or discounted use of state parks, historic sites and recreational facilities run by the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the state Department of Environmental Conservation. A physician’s statement or other documentation required. INFO: 518-474-2324
Mike Postol, of Valley Stream, pulls in a brook trout while fly fishing at the Connetquot River State Park Preserve in Oakdale. Credit: Daniel Brennan
Veterans and Gold Star families can apply for a free Lifetime Liberty Pass. This year, the program no longer requires a disability rating to qualify. Benefits include free vehicle entry to state parks and DEC-operated campground and day use areas, as well as state boat launch sites, historic sites, arboretums and park preserves; free greens fees at state park-operated golf courses; free entrance to swimming pools operated by state parks; and discounted campsite and cabin rentals at state park and DEC-operated campground sites throughout the state. INFO: 518-474-2324
Through the Patriot Plan Benefit, members of the New York State National Guard or Reserves who are state residents currently serving on active duty are eligible for one free Empire Pass card, for use by their immediate family during deployment or for their own use when returning home. INFO: 518-474-0458
Rose Cadorette putts while her brother Martin Lennon looks on, at Indian Island Golf Club in Riverhead. Credit: Bruce Gilbert
New York State Parks will accept the National Park Service's (NPS) Every Kid Outdoors pass upon presentation for free entry for fourth-grade students into all state parks. The pass applies only to the vehicle entry fee, and the fourth grader must be present in the vehicle. The pass will also be accepted at state historic sites for the pass holder and up to three adults for house tour fees. Children may obtain their pass at everykidoutdoors.gov INFO: 518-474-0458, parks.ny.gov/environment/connect-kids.aspx
For more information for all New York State Parks passes, visit parks.ny.gov/admission.
