Ribbon cut on Hempstead Harbor Shoreline trail expansion

Bill San Antonio

A decade-long process to expand the Hempstead Harbor Shoreline trail ended Wednesday as North Hempstead town officials cut the ribbon on a one-mile extension now open to the public.

The 1.25-mile trail begins at North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington and runs south along West Shore Road, complete with benches, plants and a hiking bridge.   

“It is so thrilling to have our very own nature trail right here in North Hempstead where residents can walk, jog or hike,” North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth said in a statement. “This trail fits directly into our vision of making North Hempstead Beach Park a premiere recreational destination for people of all ages.”

A priority of Bosworth’s upon taking office in 2014, the expansion cost $800,000 and was partially financed with a $100,000 grant from the 2004 Nassau County Bond Act and a $271,000 grant from the state parks department.

Construction was conducted by the Great Neck-based Galvin Brothers, with engineering work done by the Huntington Station firm GEI Consultants.

On hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony were Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D-Glen Cove), several state officials and members of the civic group Residents For a More Beautiful Port Washington, who advocated for the trail’s completion.

“North Hempstead Beach Park is a hidden gem that clearly has much untapped potential,” North Hempstead town Councilwoman Dina De Giorgio (R-Port Washington) said in a statement. “This extension of the shoreline is a wonderful improvement and one more positive step towards achieving that potential.” 

Portions of the park are lined with wood chips, and the Hempstead Harbor Protection Committee has installed informational signs about local wildlife throughout the trail.

The extension is part of a larger renovation planned at North Hempstead Beach Park in the coming years that could include additional trails, water sports and dining amenities.

Town officials said they would even consider seeking additional grants for further expansion of the Hempstead Harbor trail.

“I look forward to continuing to work with all levels of government and our environmentally-minded community groups as we strive to make Hempstead Harbor one of the most exciting waterfront destinations on Long Island,” Bosworth said.

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