North Hempstead Beach Park, Funday Mondays

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If you are lucky enough to live in the town of North Hempstead and don’t know about Funday Mondays (this event is for town residents),  you should!

We happened to see an article about it and decided to see what it was like.  We found our way to North Hempstead Beach Park (Bar Beach) and parked in the large, paved lot.  Handicapped parking spaces are located close to the fun.  As we exited the car we could hear music playing and saw that many people had already arrived and settled in.  Some folks were playing cards or Mah Jong , some dancing, and many just enjoying the live entertainment along with their friends. Getting from the parking lot to the covered pavilions where the action was taking place was an easy walk.

We made our way to the center of things, passing a farmers’ market and concession stand (coffee 25 cents), along the way.  Most of the attendees brought lunch with them.  What variety !  Everyone seemed relaxed and happy.  Who wouldn’t be?  Here we were at a beautiful beach facing Hempstead Harbor on a beautiful August day, with lovely music and friends.

A mile long concrete “”boardwalk”” facing the scenic harbor beckoned to us.  One location required three steps up to the “”boardwalk,”” but we found several ramps that will get you to the same place.  Some people were strolling the walk.  Others were sitting on the benches enjoying the great view.

We found two restroom buildings: both are multi-stall with baby-changing stations.  Only the West Entrance building offers handicapped-accessible stalls.

Talking to one of the organizers gave us some insight into this wonderful event.  It has been going on for over thirty years and has grown into something that attracts about 1,000 seniors each Monday from the beginning of July until the end of August.  There is even a Thursday “rain day,” if Monday’s weather is uncooperative.  The festivities, including line dancing, Zumba, and fitness, are from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.  Each week there is a different theme. Today’s theme was “Swing,” last week was a  “Hawaiian Luau,” and the final week will be a salute to Veterans.  How lovely!

If you do not drive or have someone to get you there, transportation is available through the town (call 311 or (516) 869 – 6311.

What a great way to spend a summer day!  Kudos to the organizers and sponsors !

As always, we at Destination Accessible, advise you to check a venue’s website, www.northhempsteadny.gov, when planning a visit, to “know before you go.”

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