NORMAN J. LEVY PARK AND PRESERVE, MERRICK, NY
Hour of Operation June, July and August: 7 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
September - May: 7 a.m. - dusk
for holiday schedule and more info call
516.804.2000
Locally known as Merrick Mountain, this park and sanctuary boasts abundant plant and wildlife, numerous fitness stations along the 3 miles of nature trails, a fishing pier, kayaks, a functioning windmill and 2 fresh water ponds. Rain or Shine, 8-passenger jitneys are available for guided tours.
Open for about a decade, the site was originally the Merrick landfill which operated from 1950-1984, according to the Park's brochure. It received about 4,000,000 cubic yards of garbage, demolition debris, street sweepings and landscape waste but never hazardous/toxic material. The Department of Environmental Conservation carefully studied and tested the landfill, ground water and air before agreeing to a capping plan.
These days, the completed nature preserve is frequented by bird lovers, fishermen, exercise enthusiasts and all sorts of youth and adult groups to the tune of 30,000 visitors a year.
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