Address

1600 Merrick Road, Merrick, NY 11566

Phone Number

(516) 804 - 2000

Date Visited

06/01 24

Website

Link to Website

Norman Levy Park

Description

Norman Levy Park is located at 1600 Merrick Road, Merrick, just behind Sanitation facilities. There are three accessible spaces  in the gravel parking lot.

Several packed gravel paths lead to the top of this 115 foot high park. There is a kayak ramp, as well as a 500 foot, fishing pier. One can see dwarf goats.

Restrooms are portable, accessible and single-occupancy,

Checklist

    Attraction Type:  park, kid-friendly
    Number of accessible spaces:  3
    Location of accessible spaces:  close to beginning of paths
    Surface of lot:  gravel
    Distance to venue:  at the venue
    Transportation to venue offered:  na
    Terrain:  gravel paths rise 115 feet to the top
    Places to rest:  some benches along the way
    Paths and walkways:  packed gravel
    Location of accessible entrance:  no entrance - this is a park - all outdoors
    Doors:  na
    Number of floors:  na
    Elevators:  na
    Ramps:  wooden ramp from Ranger Office to Kayak Ramp: 500 foot ramp to fishing pier
    Steps and staircases:  gravel steps down to Kayak launching area
    Width of aisles:  all paths are wide
    Places to sit:  some benches along the climb, on the pier and at the top
    Location of restrooms:  near the fishing pier and near the goats
    Type of restroom:  portable, single-occupancy, accessible
    Ease of entry and exit:  easy
    Baby changing station:  no
    Available food services:  none
    Friendliness of staff:  very accommoating and helpful
    Notes:  Call for further information : (516) 804 - 2000

Read More

We had not been to Norman Levy Park and Preserve for quite some time. We are never disappointed when we visit. The park is located just off Merrick Road, behind the sanitation facilities. If you go, don’t be put off by the location. Just drive down the road, turn right,  and find the gravel parking area. There are three designated, accessible parking spaces.


The park was developed over a land-fill. It rises to 115 feet at its highest point, “producing glorious views of the Jones Beach Tower, the New York City Skyline and numerous coastal treasures.” (website) It has three miles of hiking and jogging trails with 18 exercise stations and several gravel paths to the top. Unfortunately, there is no way to know which of the paths is the easiest (least steep) for carriages and/or wheelchairs. You only know the length of the trails. The faster/shortest route to the top requires 41 gravel steps (without handrails). It would be quite helpful if this information could be put on the trail maps that are available.


From the parking lot, the Kayak Launching Ramp into the original Meadow Brook is easy to see. There are gravel steps down to it. 


We usually try to choose one of the paths that don’t have any steps, just a steady serpentine, compacted path to the top. Besides the fitness stations there are benches along the way. At the beginning of the 500 foot fishing pier into Merrick Bay, you will find two, portable, single-occupancy accessible restrooms (no baby-changing facilities). The pier is not flat, there are two spots that decline a bit (they have handrails at these points). There are also benches along the way and more when you get to the end of the pier. There is a lovely view from here and I always have the feeling of  being on the water. 


No matter how you get to the top, you are rewarded with vistas that make the trip so worthwhile. If the weather cooperates you will be able to see the Manhattan Skyline. There are benches up here, as well as two ponds with waterlilies!  It is a wonderful spot to relax before heading back down.


You can choose a different route for the return trip if you like, just be aware that there may be steps!


Returning to the bottom you may want to stop and visit the heard of dwarf goats the town employs to control weed and brush overgrowth. Directly across from the goats is another set of portable, single-occupancy, accessible restrooms (no baby-changing facilities). 


Although all of the paths are gravel, they are well packed. We saw a good number of people with baby-carriages going up and down. We spoke with a few of them who said that it was not difficult to do. It would probably be doable for a wheelchair. 


This park is a real gem. Since it is a designated “preserve,” bikes, and food are not allowed. It is quite peaceful! Take some time to visit and enjoy. 


As always, we at Destination Accessible, advise you to visit a venue’s website (http://toh.li">toh.li) when planning a visit, for more information.


Location

Nearby

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