The bread and putter of Wantagh Park

County opens mini-golf course in the community

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Wantagh Park has been a hot spot for waterfront family fun for years in the community. But thanks to a new, colorful facility that opened in the park this month, residents and visitors alike can celebrate Long Island life in a new way. 

On Sept. 1, Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano and Legislator Steve Rhoads announced that a new, 18-hole mini-golf course was now open to the public. They encouraged families to check out the nautical-themed gaming area, located next to the park’s entrance. 

County employees designed the course —which includes three ponds, lighthouses, wooden ships and a blue carpet — to evoke imagery from the nearby bays, and of course, Jones Beach. It’s one of four mini-golf courses that the county operates; two are situated in Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, and the other is located at Cantiague Park in Hicksville.

Mangano said that the course is open to all county residents, Monday through Friday, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. He encouraged community members to stop by during the weekend hours —12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday — as well. 

“Wantagh Park is a fantastic resource that thousands of Nassau County residents are able to use,” Mangano said. “This wonderful new mini-golf facility will provide even more fun for families.”

Consisting of 111 acres, Mangano said Wantagh Park provides numerous opportunities for recreation, along with seating areas that allow visitors to relax and enjoy the waterfront views. Facilities include tennis courts; softball fields; a basketball court; a baseball field; a playground; a fishing pier; boat slips; a dog run; bocci and horseshoe courts; a game area for chess and checkers; a senior citizen gazebo; and reserved picnic areas with barbecue equipment. It also features one-mile and two-mile walking paths for bicycle riding and jogging.

There are also plenty of places to swim at Wantagh Park, including an Olympic-sized main pool; a diving pool; a kiddie pool; a training pool; an interactive water play area; and two water slides. The entire pool complex includes various conveniences like lockers, showers, a concession stand and lounge and deck chairs. 

Mary Studdert, spokesperson for Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums, said those who visit the mini-golf course should have an enjoyable experience. The facility provides another recreational activity that should bring Wantagh and surrounding communities together, she added. 

“County Executive Mangano has made it a priority to invest in our parks and this course will serve the south shore,” she said. “This custom-built course is a little longer and more challenging than some of your usual mini-golf courses, with its water features and nautical theme.” 

Wantagh, Seaford and Bellmore residents have all visited the course since the recent grand opening. Theresa Matchekosky, of Bellmore, said it’s also the perfect place to bring her 4-year-old son, Luke. 

“My favorite part is just watching Luke have fun, especially at the tunnel hole!” she said of the course. “I think it’s a great activity for families, and it’s nice and new…the flowers are fresh too.”

County leaders are also encouraging groups who they said have given back to the community special discounts on the green. Reduced pricing is offered to veterans, police officers, firefighters and ambulance workers at the course. 

“The county executive and Legislature found it important to offer discounts to those who served our nation,” Studdert explained, “as well as those civic volunteers who take their own time to serve our county and communities, and our seniors, who this county was built on.”

Individuals who meet these criteria, and have a Nassau County Leisure Pass, will pay $5 to play. The pass, which locals may buy at Cedar Creek Park, identifies its holder as a Nassau resident and is required for entry into many recreational facilities. The pass also provides residents with discounts to other pools, rinks, tennis courts, beaches, marinas and cabanas operated by Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums.  

In general, officials said that a Leisure Pass is required of residents above the age of 13; youngsters who utilize county-operated golf courses, regardless of age, must have one. The fee is $25. 

To play mini-golf in Wantagh, Leisure Pass holders will pay $8. The children’s fee is $5, and $11 for non-residents. 

The Wantagh Park course will be open seasonally, Studdert said, closing down from November to March. For more information about the facility, call the Nassau County Parks Public Information Office at (516) 572-0200. To learn more about the Leisure Pass, visit www.nassaucountyny.gov/1790/Leisure-Pass