If you’ve ever spent a Saturday morning circling for a parking spot near Broadway in Hewlett, you probably know that "quiet suburban life" is a bit of a myth during peak hours. But tucked away just past the bustle of the Five Towns shopping districts lies a 35-acre stretch that basically keeps the local community sane. Grant Park Hewlett NY isn't some massive, sprawling state forest. It’s a Nassau County-run facility that manages to pack a staggering amount of utility into a relatively compact footprint.
It's weird.
One minute you’re looking at a standard playground, and the next, you’re watching someone practice their hockey stride on a seasonal rink or staring at a pond that looks like it belongs in a much older version of Long Island.
Why Grant Park Hewlett NY Stays Busy Year-Round
Most suburban parks die off the moment the temperature drops below fifty degrees. Not here. The geography of Grant Park—located at the intersection of Broadway and Sheridan Avenue—makes it the central hub for Hewlett, Woodmere, and Lynbrook residents. Honestly, if you live in the Five Towns, this is your backyard.
Nassau County’s Parks Department has dumped significant resources into the infrastructure here over the last decade. It’s a "multi-use" facility in the truest sense. You have the Grant Park Skating Rink, which serves as a major draw for the Nassau County High School Hockey League and casual open-skate fans. Then you have the tennis courts, which are surprisingly well-maintained for a municipal park.
The lake is the real soul of the place, though. It’s part of the larger watershed system that feeds through southern Nassau, and while you aren't going to find record-breaking bass here, the catch-and-release fishing is a staple for local parents teaching their kids the ropes.
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The Rink Dynamics
The ice rink is probably the most famous feature of Grant Park Hewlett NY. It’s an outdoor-covered facility, which gives you that "winter aesthetic" without getting pelted by actual snow while you're trying to skate.
- It opens seasonally, usually from November through March.
- Public sessions are frequent, but you have to check the Nassau County schedule because hockey leagues dominate the evenings.
- Resident discounts are a thing. If you have a Leisure Pass, use it. If not, you’re paying the "tourist" rate, which feels a bit steep for a county park.
A Landscape of Genuine Variety
Walking the perimeter of the park takes about twenty minutes if you’re moving at a clip. But nobody really does that. Most people are clustered in the "zones."
The playground area was renovated to be more inclusive, featuring rubberized flooring and equipment that doesn't burn your skin off in July. It’s loud. It’s chaotic. It’s exactly what a neighborhood park should be. Just a few hundred feet away, the vibe shifts completely toward the basketball and tennis courts. These are high-intensity spots. If you’re showing up for a pickup game on the weekend, bring your A-game. The local competition isn't just "kinda" good; it’s often made up of former high school athletes who still have plenty to prove.
Fishing and the Water
The pond at Grant Park Hewlett NY is more than just a decorative feature. It’s a managed ecosystem. Local anglers often find sunfish, carp, and the occasional largemouth bass.
Is it pristine? No. It’s a suburban lake. You’ll see the occasional rogue soda bottle floating near the reeds, but for the most part, the county keeps it clean. The path surrounding the water is the go-to spot for power walkers and people pushing strollers. It provides that essential "green break" from the dense housing and commercial strips that define the Hewlett landscape.
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The Logistics of Visiting (The Boring But Necessary Stuff)
You can't just roll into Grant Park without a plan, especially on a Sunday. Parking is available on-site, but the lot fills up fast when there’s a hockey tournament or a little league game.
- The Leisure Pass: This is the golden ticket for Nassau County residents. It’s a photo ID that proves you live in the county. Without it, you pay significantly more for tennis, skating, and even parking in some designated areas. You can get one at the administration building right in the park.
- Safety and Security: Nassau County Police (4th Precinct) and County Park Rangers patrol the area. It’s generally very safe, but like any public space near a train station, you should keep your car locked and your valuables out of sight.
- Hours: The park typically opens at dawn and closes at dusk, but the rink and lighted courts operate on their own specific schedules.
What People Get Wrong About the Area
People often confuse Grant Park with the nearby Hempstead Lake State Park or even Valley Stream State Park. Those are massive. Grant Park is intimate. It’s the kind of place where you’ll inevitably run into your middle school gym teacher or the guy who sold you a bagel three hours ago.
It’s also surprisingly diverse in its offerings. There are horseshoe pits—yes, actual horseshoe pits—and shuffleboard. These are relics of an older era of park design, but they’re still there, and they still get used by the older generation of Hewlett residents who remember the park before the fancy turf fields were installed.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
If you're heading to Grant Park Hewlett NY for the first time, don't just wander aimlessly.
First, check the weather and the rink schedule. If the rink is hosting a tournament, the parking lot will be a nightmare. Use the entrance on Broadway for the main lot, but if that’s full, sometimes you can find street parking on the residential side—just be hyper-aware of the local permit signs. Hewlett parking enforcement is legendary for their efficiency.
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Second, bring your own gear. While the rink has rentals, the tennis and basketball courts are strictly BYO. There aren't any sporting goods stores within immediate walking distance if you pop a string or forget a ball.
Third, utilize the picnic areas. There are designated spots with grills. If you want a specific pavilion for a birthday party or a large gathering, you absolutely have to permit it through Nassau County weeks (sometimes months) in advance. Do not just show up with 40 people and a tray of ziti; the rangers will shut you down.
Fourth, explore the wooded paths. While most people stick to the paved loops, there are small offshoots that provide a bit more shade and quiet. It's the closest thing to a "hike" you'll find without driving out to Bethpage.
Grant Park functions as the lungs of Hewlett. It’s where the community exhales. Whether you're there for a high-speed hockey game or a slow walk around the pond to watch the ducks, it serves its purpose. It isn't a destination for a vacation, but for a Tuesday afternoon or a crisp Saturday morning, it’s exactly what the neighborhood needs.
Check the Nassau County Parks website for the most recent fee updates for the 2026 season, especially for the Leisure Pass renewals, as those prices tend to fluctuate annually.