You’ve probably driven past it a thousand times if you live in New Hyde Park. A sprawling complex on Evergreen Avenue that looks, from the outside, like just another suburban recreation spot. But honestly, Michael J. Tully Park is a bit of a local enigma. Some people call it the "Tully Aquatic Center," others just call it "the park with the big slide," and a few old-timers might still remember when the land was something else entirely.
It’s huge. 35 acres. That’s enough space to get lost in if you aren't looking for a specific scoreboard.
Most folks think they know the deal: you pay your resident fee, you swim some laps, you leave. But there is a weirdly specific rhythm to this place that determines whether you have a great Saturday or a frustrating hour spent looking for a parking spot.
The Aquatic Center is the Heart (And Sometimes a Headache)
The centerpiece is undeniably the Aquatic Activity Center. If you're a Town of North Hempstead resident, this is your holy grail for indoor swimming. It’s not just a rectangular tank of chlorine. We’re talking about a massive indoor setup with a 100-foot-long figure-eight water slide that is, quite frankly, the only thing kids care about.
But here’s the thing people mess up: the rules are strict. Like, "don't even think about it" strict.
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If you show up with a kid under 48 inches, they aren't going down that slide. Period. The lifeguards are vigilant, and they’ve seen every "but he’s almost tall enough" trick in the book. Also, if you’re planning on using the lap lanes on a weekend morning, good luck. It gets crowded. Like, "accidentally touching a stranger's foot while doing the breaststroke" crowded.
- The Pro Move: Go early. Weekdays at 8:00 AM are the sweet spot.
- The Reality Check: The water temperature can be polarizing. Some days it feels like a bath; other days, you’ll see toddlers shivering the second they hit the shallow end.
- Locker Room Logistics: If you have a child over five, they have to use the locker room of their own gender. It’s a standard rule, but it catches parents off guard every single week. Use the family changing rooms if you’re in that awkward middle phase.
Pickleball: The New King of Evergreen Avenue
If you haven't been to Michael J. Tully Park in the last couple of years, you might be shocked by the noise. It’s the "pop-pop-pop" of 14 lighted pickleball courts.
Pickleball has basically taken over.
You need a specific Tully Pickleball ID card to play here. Don't just show up with your paddle and expect to hop on a court. It’s for North Hempstead residents only, and they do check. They require three proofs of residency just to get the card. It sounds like a lot of bureaucracy for a game that involves a plastic ball, but it keeps the courts available for the people actually paying the taxes to maintain them.
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The lights stay on until 9:00 PM, which makes it one of the few places in Nassau County where you can get a competitive game in after the sun goes down.
Beyond the Water and the Paddles
If you wander away from the humidity of the pool, the park opens up into a massive athletic hub.
There’s a stadium with Astroturf that looks professional enough to host a minor league game. You’ll see soccer, football, and lacrosse teams cycling through here on a relentless schedule. Most of these fields require a permit. If you're just looking to kick a ball around with a friend, you might get kicked off if a league has the slot booked.
Then there’s the dog park.
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Honestly, the dog park is one of the better ones in the area. It uses artificial grass, which is a godsend during the muddy spring season. No one wants a wet, muddy Golden Retriever in the back of their SUV. It’s divided into small and large dog sections, and it’s usually pretty social.
A Bit of History (Because Names Matter)
The park is named after Michael J. Tully Jr., a former New York State Senator and Town Supervisor. He was a fixture in local politics until his death in 1997. Before it was a lush recreation center, the site actually served as a landfill. It’s a classic Long Island transformation—turning "not-so-pretty" land into a community staple. Knowing that makes you appreciate the rolling hills a bit more.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
Don't be the person who gets turned away at the gate.
- Payment: They take credit cards and mobile pay (Google/Apple Pay). They generally do not take cash for daily fees anymore.
- ID is Mandatory: If you want resident rates, you need the ID. A driver’s license is usually fine for adults, but kids might need a library card or school ID for certain programs.
- The Gym: There is a small exercise room. It’s not Equinox. It’s basic. But for the price of a resident membership, it beats paying $80 a month at a big-box gym if you just need a treadmill and some weights.
- The Sauna/Steam Room: You have to be 16 or older. It’s a great perk, but keep it respectful. It’s a community space, not your private spa.
Real Talk on Maintenance
No place is perfect. While the pool is great, some regulars complain about the ventilation in the locker rooms. It can get a bit "swampy" in there during peak summer months. Also, the parking lot has its fair share of potholes—watch your suspension when you're pulling in near the back fields.
Despite the occasional maintenance hiccup, it remains the "living room" of New Hyde Park. Whether you’re there for the Zumba classes, the swim lottery, or just to walk the 0.3-mile track loop, it’s a place that actually feels like a community.
Actionable Next Steps:
If you're planning a visit, check your residency documents first. Head to the Aquatic Center office during weekday hours (8:00 AM – 7:00 PM) to get your Resident ID or Pickleball card sorted out before you plan a big outing. If you're just going for the playground or the walking path, those are open from 7:30 AM to sunset and don't require the same level of paperwork. Just bring some water—the fountains are a bit sparse once you get out toward the far ball fields.