Seaford's Seamans Neck Park part of South Shore Blueway Trail for boaters

A new water access point part of the South Shore Blueway Trail Plan is now complete, according to the New York Department of State.

The trail is a safe, legal network of water access points for human-powered boats and sail craft, allowing people to experience Long Island’s South Shore, while protecting wildlife and their habitats, as well as the safety of trail users. The newest access point was recently completed at Newbridge Road Park in Bellmore.

The recently-completed access point connects the trail directly to another water entry spot, at Seamans Neck Park in Seaford, and to the rest of the trail, which spans the southern coast of Nassau County, encompassing the Western Bays of the South Shore Estuary Reserve. Estuaries are partially enclosed bodies of water where fresh water from rivers and streams mixes with salt water. The South Shore Estuary provides habitat for hundreds of wildlife species.

Boaters in the East Bay, which is part of the estuary, can also access the trail at Wantagh Park in Wantagh and the Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve in Merrick.

In total, dozens of ramps and stoppage points span Nassau’s coast from Woodmere to Massapequa.

The access points at Seamans Neck Park and Newbridge Road Park include ADA-compliant mats, called “mobi-mats” — ensuring that anyone, regardless of their physical ability, can safely get in and out of a boat, according to the state. The access areas feature new, native plantings, slope stabilization efforts, silt fencing and habitat protection measures, which are all part of goals outlined in a South Shore Estuary Reserve Comprehensive Management Plan.

The South Shore Blueway Trail was first touched on in a Nassau County Environmental Bond Act Program in 2006. In 2008, the Village of Freeport joined with the county and obtained funds from a state grant, allowing the project to begin. Since then, the trail has greatly expanded in size.

The additions support Gov. Kathy Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative, launched earlier this summer to promote physical and mental health by encouraging New Yorkers to enjoy recreational spaces. They also support her Master Plan For Aging, providing access to water-based outdoor recreation for people of all ages and abilities.

The Newbridge Road Park access point was made possible through government partnership at a local level.

“The Town of Hempstead is proud to work with New York state in implementing resources to help residents enjoy our local waterways,” Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin said in a news release. “I look forward to this continued partnership in protecting, preserving and enjoying the waters of Hempstead Town.”

Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, a nonprofit organization that advocates for local, state and federal environmental policy, said Long Islanders love the bays and harbors, and that public access “is a meaningful part of island life.”

“Providing access points allows more residents to enjoy the scenic beauty and recreation value of our wetlands, bird life, and thriving marine life,” she said. “The more connected we are to our waters, the more we will seek to preserve, restore and protect them for future generations. The South Shore Estuary Reserve Blueway is a great way to get outdoors, be active and connect with nature.”

The state’s Local Waterfront Revitalization Program has aided efforts along the South Shore Blueway Trail. The program provides grants to eligible villages, towns, cities and counties along New York’s coasts or designated inland waterways for planning, design and construction projects to revitalize communities and waterfronts.

“Long Island is home to many scenic natural wonders, and this Blueway Trail not only allows people to witness these water-based marvels firsthand but also encourages them to engage in outdoor recreation,” Nassau County Legislator Michael Giangregorio said. “I want to thank New York State for their work on this water network and for making it ADA accessible, ensuring that all residents can enjoy our island.”

For more on the South Shore Blueway Trail, and to see a full list of access points, visit SouthShoreBlueway.com.