Long Island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches, parks and recreational facilities in nation. Nearly 20 million people visit the Island’s 20 state parks and historic sites annually where they enjoy a host of activities, including swimming, hiking, camping, golfing and exploring Long Island’s rich history.
Jones Beach State Park offers visitors 6.5 miles of white sand beach, a world-famous boardwalk and a 15,000-seat concert facility. At Bethpage State Park, golf enthusiasts can enjoy five, 18-hole golf courses, including the world-class Black Course, host to the 2002 and 2009 U. S. Open. Connetquot River State Park Preserve affords enthusiasts world-famous fly fishing, and Captree State Park offers salt water fishing from its dock, boat launch or fishing fleet. Campers can enjoy a stay at scenic Hither Hills or Wildwood State Parks.
And now Long Islanders can enjoy their parks, beaches and historic sites on a budget. From now through March 31, 2015, for a one-time fee of $65, New York State is again offering residents unlimited day use vehicle entry to most of New York's State parks and recreational facilities. (Current Empire Passports will expire on March 31, 2014.)
The New York State Empire Passport allows residents all-season access to 179 state parks, 55 Department of Environmental Conservation forest preserve areas, boat launch sites, arboretums and park preserves—along with as many friends as their car will hold!
The Empire Passport is valid at many parks across the State - click here to find local parks on Long Island where you can use it!
In addition to the one-year $65 Empire Passport, residents can also purchase a three-year Empire Passport for $165, a five-year Empire Passport for $260 or a Lifetime Passport for $750.
The Lifetime Passport has no expiration date and will be issued to residents by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles as an icon that will appear their New York State Driver License, Non-Driver ID or Learner Permit.
Passports may be purchased online or in person by visiting a state park or state park regional office. Telephone orders using a credit card will be processed by any NYS Parks regional office or by calling 518-474-0458 during normal business hours. Applications are also accepted by mail.
By the way, Sun. March 30 is “Take a Walk in the Park Day”. So be sure to pick up an Empire Passport and take a walk in the park with someone special!
For complete New York State Empire Passport details, visit nysparks.com.
[Source: NYS Parks]
Photo Provided by NYS OPRHP.
