State Parks, Nassau & Suffolk Counties Join Discover Long Island in Extending the 2020 Summer Season for Thousands of Long Islanders Who had Summer Cut Short by COVID-19

NY State and Long Island Officials Extend Season for Beaches, Parks and Campgrounds

 

LONG ISLAND, NY (September 3, 2020) ­– Long Island is tossing out Tumbleweed Tuesday.  New York State Parks, along with Nassau and Suffolk Counties are joining with Discover Long Island to announce an extension of the 2020 summer season for many of the region’s attractions, parks, pools, campgrounds and beaches in order to give Long Islanders an extended summer season.

“The onset of Covid-19 cut the start of our summer season by two months, an impact that has crippled  the businesses and attractions that make up Long Island’s $6.1 billion tourism industry and whose livelihoods critically rely on that seasonal business,” said Kristen Jarnagin, President & CEO of Discover Long Island. “This year summer doesn’t stop on Labor Day, the extension of our beaches, parks, campgrounds and attractions will help our small businesses and continue to boost economic recovery for the region.”

New York State beaches will remain open and staffed with lifeguards. Suffolk County’s campgrounds and parks will continue to welcome campers and park goers beyond this holiday weekend and County beaches will extend beach hours with lifeguards on weekends through the end of September. Nassau’s Nickerson Beach will also remain open and staffed with lifeguards on weekends through the end of September and residents are encouraged to take advantage of the many amenities in the County’s 70 parks and preserves that remain open, including premier golf courses, tennis courts, 67 playgrounds, dog parks, athletic fields, Old Bethpage Village Restoration, the Museum of American Armor and much more.

“Lifeguards continue to be on duty at several Long Island State Park Beaches, with the water temperatures in the low 70’s and the air temperature around 80’s it is one of the best times to go swimming in the waters around Long Island,” said George Gorman Jr., Regional Director for New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.

“From golf courses, to playgrounds, to outdoor gardens and historic properties, throughout the pandemic I pushed to safely open and provide access to the wealth of amenities Nassau’s 70 parks and preserves have to offer – ensuring our residents could take full advantage and enjoy the summer season close to home.  With travel options limited and the summer season still sizzling, we’re extending the season at Nassau’s Nickerson Beach, keeping lifeguards on duty each weekend through the end of September. Encouraging all to get out and safely explore Nassau County from our cherished downtown communities, to hiking trails, to our pristine beachfronts.” – Nassau County Executive Laura Curran

“In order to remain diligent in our fight against Covid-19, we must keep the businesses and attractions who make up the heart of our community a priority during these unprecedented times,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone. “By extending the season for our County Beaches, and encouraging residents to visit our campgrounds and beautiful parks it allows us to not only capitalize on outdoor attractions while the weather is still perfect for exploring but helps to provide stimulus to some of our most coveted tourism attractions across the island.”

 

For additional information on the extended summer season and tips to #travelconfidently across the region, please visit DiscoverLongIsland.com.