Heckscher Park — Attraction in Town of Huntington

I first came here before they redid the playground area and even then I thought it was nice! They had a sand pit back then that was popular but it's no longer there after the renovation :( maybe it was too messy but I loved it if you didn't feel like going to the beach haha.

I came again recently on a November Sunday afternoon around 1PM when it was about mid 50's outside. Plenty of parking (free all alongside the perimeter of the park and museum) and absolutely love how they redid the playground area. There is so much for children (toddlers up to teen age) to do! The equipment is clean (I mean, it's new lol) with bright, cheery colors. The spinning playground equipment was very popular with all the children. There is soft padded floors where the playground equipment is and plenty of seating for parents as well as awnings above the seated area. The playground area is gated which is great so children can't just run out.

The lake right next to the playground is beautiful and dog friendly (must be leashed). There were so many people walking their dogs. I haven't been to the museum but the park and lake itself is beautiful.

I returned today on Veterans Day around 2PM (weather was high 60s) and there was absolutely NO parking whatsoever. I had to loop around 2-3x before finally deciding to park in a residential area. Overall, I love this park for its playground and dog friendly lake area. Just be prepared for hard to find parking on certain days.

P.S. There is also another Heckscher Park (Heckscher State Park to be exact) in Long Island so make sure you know which one you're going to. When I first met with friends, I thought they were talking about Heckscher State Park because I didn't know this one in...

Hecksher Park in Huntington (not Hecksher State Park in E.Islip) is an oasis on the east end of Huntington, located on the corner of Prime Avenue and Route 25A. Central to the park is it's beautiful pond, surrounded by a walkway and cozy seating areas. It has an amazing array of water fowl, turtles and fountains. The Hecksher Museum of Art is located on the Prime Avenue border of the park. It is a beautiful Beaux-Arts building, with it's original 120 painting collection (now greatly expanded) donated to the town along with the building by Philanthropist August Hecksher in 1920. In the center of the park is the amazing Harry Chapin Rainbow Stage where many concerts, dance companies and theater groups perform. The stage fronts on a natural amphitheater. All you need is to bring chairs or a blanket. The stage is the home of the Huntington Arts Council's Summer Arts Festival, now in it's 59th year! Check their website for the performance schedule. Ever Wednesday night in July I proudly perform with the Huntington Community Band at 8pm. The band just celebrated it's 75th anniversary! It has a wonderful playground for the kiddies along with ball fields and tennis courts. Last January it changed it's policy and now allows dogs. It's a wonderful place to take your pet for a walk (please pick up the poop). There is a beautiful, poignant memorial to the victims of 9/11 which you should see. A perfect place for a lovely afternoon before heading into town for happy hour at one of our many excellent...

One of the finest medium sized parks on Long Island.

The park has a lot going for it. It has a very well maintained lake and grounds. The paths wind attractively inter-meshed with little rivers where ducks and a bus-load of turtles (in the warmer weather) play.

The focus of the park is on the wildlife and giving it a place to flourish, but there are other things too like tennis, baseball and a large field. A proper set of bathrooms are available as well as a concert stage and a nice grass area for outdoor events.

All of this is intermixed with professionally done flowers and shrubs that would give a botanical garden a run for it's money.

There is a attractive 9/11 memorial waterfall and a museum! (Did i mention this is a nice place.)

If you have young kids there is a large area with different things for them to do. The flooring is nice and soft.

It has been my experience that many of the park's local attendees are invested in the health and safety of the wildlife, so if your young kid starts messing with turtles, or running after the ducks, that's not going to go over too good. To me that's a plus.

There's a good amount of parking around the lake, usually plenty to handle the number of people there but it's spread out. Just be aware, you'll likely be fine unless there's a big event there.

Overall, This is in my top 2 parks on Long Island, and I've been to...