Update on Sandy Damage to Local State Parks

All Long Island State Parks and beaches — including Hempstead Lake State Park — are expected to open by Memorial Day weekend, according to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo.

Due to Superstorm Sandy, many of the parks suffered extensive damage to roads, landscaping and infrastructure while beaches experienced significant dune and beach erosion including the loss of natural and native vegetation.

Numerous construction and repair projects are on schedule which will allow the parks and beaches to open for the holiday weekend. 

“Despite the vast destruction caused by Superstorm Sandy, all of our State Parks and beaches on Long Island are expected to be open for New Yorkers and visitors by Memorial Day Weekend,” Gov. Cuomo said. “Our parks and beaches are not only popular destinations for vacationers, but they are also important economic drivers for our communities. We will continue to work diligently to ensure that these great assets are in safe and good condition for visitors to enjoy this summer.” 

More than 20 emergency contracts are currently in progress across Long Island on state park land as hundreds of workers are repairing, replanting and restoring the damage left by Sandy in an effort to meet the public’s needs in time for Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial kick-off to the summer season.

Below is a status report for Hempstead Lake State Park and Valley Stream State Park, including the work that is being done or has been done, and the expected status for the Memorial Day weekend.

Hempstead Lake State Park

Current Status: Park lost approximately 400 trees. Parking field #1 has reopened.
One of the buildings suffered minor damage, but it was repaired shortly after the storm.
Memorial Day Weekend Status: OPEN — Tree work will be complete and building was repaired.

Valley Stream State Park

Current Status: The tree contractor has completed all the tree work with the exception of removing debris from the parking lot. Trails are now open. On the Hendrickson Ave side of the park, there are logs to be removed and more stumps to grind.
Memorial Day Weekend Status: OPEN – There will still be tree debris and uprooted trees in areas of the park.