Hemlock Park Voted Best Staycation Spot in Garden City

When you and your family are off from work and school, but can't getaway, there are plenty of great local attractions to enjoy on your "staycation."

The Long Island Children's Museum, Cradle of Aviation Museum, Garden City Bird Sanctuary, Grove Park and Garden City Golf Club were some of Patch reader's top picks for the best staycation spot in the neighborhood, but it was Hemlock Park that garnered the most votes this week to win a Readers' Choice Award.

Located in the northeastern section of the village, Hemlock Park is one of only two village parks that has a volleyball court. It also houses a baseball/softball field, two basketball courts, one tennis court, an athletic field, comfort station and a playground equipped with a large "spider web" that children love to climb on.

“We’re lucky to have five parks offering a safe environment for the children,” Rob Stuchbury, one of the park attendants at Hemlock, told Patch when we visited there in August 2011.

That day, many families were enjoying the park including Kimberly and her two daughters, Caitlyn and Julia. “My husband used to play here as a kid. This is their favorite park by far," she said. "We’ve been to all of them. Caitlyn wants to build a house in Hemlock Park!” she laughed.

Hemlock Park is located on Mulberry Avenue, between Maple Street and Maxwell Road, near Old Country Road. For more information visit www.GardenCityNY.net/Hemlock_Park.htm.

Next week, Patch will be looking for the best place in Garden City for catered food. Nominate a local business in the comments section below.