With the statewide closure of non-essential businesses and all places of public amusement, Long Islanders are flocking to the many parks and beaches in our area. While government parks departments encourage the use of many outdoor spaces for passive activities, there are closures and limitations in effect, as well as guidelines for behavior when visiting parks.
Guidelines for Visiting Outdoor Areas During COVID-19 Outbreak
The Town of Islip has issued guidelines for conduct when visiting outdoor areas:
Wash hands before walking and carry hand sanitizer.
Do not use trails if you have COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, trouble breathing).
Maintain 6-foot distance from others following CDC social distancing guidelines.
Bring your own water and be aware public restrooms will likely be closed.
Pack out your own trash to protect park employees.
The New York State Parks Department also encourages that you:
Stay local and keep visits short.
Avoid close contact with others, including social contact (handshakes, hugging, etc.) and contact sports (basketball, football, etc.)
Avoid playground equipment or other surfaces frequently touched by others.
Do not share equipment like helmets, balls, or frisbees.
Read NYS Parks Department’s complete guidelines here
Park Restrictions and Closures
*Note: Restrictions and closures change daily, so please call ahead or check online before planning an outing.
New York State Parks
While New York State parks are open and all entrance fees are waived, playgrounds, athletic courts, and sporting fields in state parks are closed. Most indoor spaces (historic houses, visitor centers) and restrooms are also closed, and parking limitations may be in effect to control the number of visitors at a given time. The majority of state park golf courses are open, though reservations must be made in advance. All campgrounds, cabins, cottages, and pavilions/shelters are closed to visitation through April 30th.
https://parks.ny.gov
Suffolk County Parks
Suffolk County parks, beaches, and golf courses are open, although all county playgrounds and dog parks are closed. Most restrooms and visitors centers are closed, and camping has been suspended until April 15th.
https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Parks
Town of Islip
Town of Islip parks are open, although playgrounds and golf courses are closed. Most indoor facilities, including restrooms, are also closed.
https://islipny.gov/coronavirus
Town of Smithtown
All Town of Smithtown parks and beaches with playgrounds have been forced to close due to large groups not adhering to social distancing. Kings Park Bluff, Sunken Meadow, and Long Beach are still open, though indoor facilities, including restrooms, will likely be closed. Landing Golf Club will be closed for disinfecting and cleaning through April 3rd. The golf course will be open for walkers only Monday through Friday. The David Weld Sanctuary and Sweetbriar Nature Center are also closed.
https://www.smithtownny.gov/619/COVID-19-ALERTS
Town of Brookhaven
Town of Brookhaven parks are open for passive activities, but all playgrounds, athletic courts, golf courses, and dog parks are closed. Most indoor facilities, including restrooms, will be closed. The Holtsville Ecology Site and Suffolk County Farm are also closed to the public.
https://www.brookhavenny.gov/1154/7897/Coronavirus