Long Beach Rec Center, Hempstead's Mirschel Park Get State Funds: Governor's Office

LONG BEACH, NY — The Long Beach Recreation Center and Hempstead Village's Mirschel Park were named among 20 recipients of state grant funding Tuesday that will pay for new recreation areas at both facilities, per an announcement from Governor Kathy Hochul.

Hochul's office announced Tuesday that it had awarded $10 million in Municipal Parks and Recreation (MPR) Grant Program funding to 20 parks across the state, intended to, "fund the development and improvement of municipal parks and recreation sites statewide for the public to enjoy."

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"These grants will help communities with a range of projects to encourage New Yorkers to ‘Get Offline, Get Outside’ and enjoy healthy, active recreation,” Hochul said. "This new round of funding from the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act continues New York State’s commitment to helping expand access to safe and welcoming parks and recreational facilities all across the state."

In Long Beach, a $180,000 funding award will help finance improvement and resurfacing of basketball courts at the rec center, courts that the governor's office called "weathered."

According to the governor's office, the new courts will allow for greater participation in recreation while ensuring that the center, "continues to meet the high standards of accessibility, safety, and quality that all community members deserve, furthering the City’s ongoing commitment to improving public recreational infrastructure and promoting equitable access to green spaces."

Meanwhile, in Hempstead, a $350,000 funding award will pay for the installation of a new obstacle course and outdoor fitness area in Mirschel Park. Hochul's office said the new additions would run parallel to other planned improvements at the park and, "expand year-round recreational and educational access."

The investment did not go unnoticed locally, with Hempstead mayor Waylyn Hobbs saying the investment "reflects a shared belief that every resident deserves access to quality recreational opportunities."

Also receiving funds Tuesday was the Village of Patchogue, which received $570,031 to renovate tennis courts in Belzak Park, adding lines for pickleball.