Holtsville Park

For New Yorkers seeking an extraordinary outdoor experience that combines recreation, education, and unique animal encounters, Holtsville Park, officially known as the Harold H. Malkmes Wildlife Education and Ecology Center, is an absolute gem on Long Island. Located at 249 Buckley Road in Holtsville, this expansive facility offers a truly diverse range of attractions that set it apart from typical community parks. It's not just a place to run and play; it's a vibrant ecology site, a fascinating animal preserve, and a comprehensive recreational hub, all managed by the Town of Brookhaven.

Since its opening in 1979 on the site of a former landfill, Holtsville Park has transformed into a beloved destination for families and nature enthusiasts alike. It's a testament to environmental rehabilitation and community vision. Visitors consistently praise its wide array of offerings, from unique animal viewing opportunities to excellent fitness amenities. As one satisfied visitor noted, "My 8-year old thought it was the best day ever. The petting zoo was nice, then he went on the decent sized playground. The pool is awesome! We would like to check out the walking trail in the future. All we paid was $5 for parking." Another emphasized the active elements: "Great, safe place to go running. The exercise (bodyweight) machines are great to do in between laps. Only request is to fix the monkey bar!" These reviews highlight the park's appeal to various interests, ensuring that every visit offers something special. Holtsville Park truly provides a multi-faceted experience that caters to both active enjoyment and educational curiosity, making it a standout attraction for residents across Long Island.

Holtsville Park (Harold H. Malkmes Wildlife Education and Ecology Center) is conveniently located at 249 Buckley Road, Holtsville, NY 11742, USA. This central Long Island address makes it readily accessible for residents of Suffolk County and beyond. Positioned within the hamlet of Holtsville, the park is a well-known local landmark and a popular destination for families throughout the region.

For those traveling by car, the park is easily reachable via major roadways on Long Island. Buckley Road connects efficiently to other main arteries, facilitating a smooth drive from various directions. Ample parking is available on-site, with a nominal parking fee of $5 per car, as mentioned by a visitor. This fee contributes to the maintenance and enhancement of the extensive facilities within the park.

While public transportation options like the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) serve nearby towns, reaching Holtsville Park directly by public transit might require a combination of train and local bus or taxi services, as is common for larger recreational facilities in suburban Long Island. However, for most New Yorkers planning a visit, driving remains the most practical and direct method of access. The park's well-established presence and clear signage make it easy to find, ensuring a hassle-free start to your day of exploration and enjoyment. The park is open year-round, with specific seasonal hours for different attractions, making it a reliable destination throughout the year, though it is closed on certain holidays.

Holtsville Park (Ecology Site & Animal Preserve) offers an impressive array of services and amenities that cater to a wide range of interests, distinguishing it from many other parks on Long Island. These services are designed to provide both entertainment and educational opportunities for visitors of all ages.

• Animal Preserve / Petting Zoo: Home to over 100 injured or non-releasable wild animals and farm animals, including buffalo, bobcats, eagles, bears, wild mustangs, pigs, and goats. Visitors can view these animals free of charge. Feed machines for goats are available for 25 cents a handful, offering an interactive "petting zoo" experience.
• Triple Pool Complex: A state-of-the-art swimming facility perfect for cooling off during the summer months. The Holtsville Pool is an outdoor seasonal pool. While there are no memberships required for this specific pool, all persons entering the pool deck must pay admission regardless of whether they intend to swim.
• Exercise Trail & Fitness Course: A 1.2-mile walking and jogging trail equipped with various exercise equipment, including pull-up bars, incline benches, and monkey bars, making it ideal for outdoor workouts.
• Playground Area: A decent-sized playground with swings, slides, and mini-incline walls for children to enjoy, providing a safe and engaging space for play.
• Picnic Areas: Designated areas with picnic tables and benches, many of which are covered, providing comfortable spots for families and groups to enjoy outdoor meals.
• Ecology Exhibits and Tours: The site offers ecology exhibits and guided tours by appointment (minimum of 10 people for $5 per person, available from July 5 through Aug. 26). Informational booklets are available for self-guided tours in groups of six or more.
• Greenhouses & Garden Parcels: Greenhouses with seasonal plants for viewing (not for purchase). Brookhaven residents can also reserve 10x10 foot garden parcels to grow vegetables and flowers.
• Restrooms and Showers: Public restrooms are available, and showers are located in the pool locker rooms for visitor convenience.
• Security: The park facilities include security measures to ensure a safe environment for all visitors.

These comprehensive services ensure that Holtsville Park provides a full day of activities, blending recreation, education, and natural beauty into a single, accessible destination for Long Islanders.

Holtsville Park (Ecology Site & Animal Preserve) is renowned for its distinctive features and highlights, which collectively contribute to its immense popularity as a family and community destination on Long Island.

• Unique Animal Preserve: The most significant highlight is undoubtedly the Animal Preserve. Housing over 100 injured or non-releasable animals, it offers a rare opportunity to see diverse wildlife, including American bald eagles, bobcats, buffalo, bears, and even a well-known groundhog named "Holtsville Hal" who makes weather predictions. The ability to feed goats for a small fee provides a memorable, interactive experience for children.
• Extensive Recreational Facilities: Beyond the animals, the park boasts a robust recreational infrastructure. The triple pool complex is a major draw during the summer, offering a fantastic way to cool off. The 1.2-mile exercise trail with various bodyweight machines provides an excellent outdoor fitness option for runners and exercisers.
• Educational Focus: As an ecology site, the park emphasizes environmental education. Its exhibits, greenhouses, and guided tour options provide valuable learning opportunities about wildlife, conservation, and sustainable practices, making it an ideal destination for school trips and curious minds.
• Family-Friendly Environment: With a dedicated playground, ample picnic areas (many with overhead protection), and safe, open spaces, the park is perfectly suited for family outings. There's plenty of room for kids to play and explore, ensuring a fun-filled day for all ages.
• Accessibility: The park is designed to be handicapped accessible, ensuring that visitors with varying mobility needs can enjoy the facilities and animal viewing areas.
• Community Engagement: The park fosters a strong sense of community, serving as a popular gathering spot. Its diverse offerings cater to a wide range of interests, from active recreation to quiet contemplation amidst nature.
• Beautiful Natural Setting: Despite its past as a landfill, the site has been meticulously developed into a beautiful green space with walking trails, lush plantings, and serene areas, showcasing successful environmental rehabilitation.

These highlights underscore Holtsville Park's role as a unique and invaluable resource for New Yorkers, offering a comprehensive outdoor experience that combines education, recreation, and close encounters with nature.

As a public facility operated by the Town of Brookhaven, Holtsville Park (Ecology Site & Animal Preserve) primarily offers its extensive range of amenities and attractions at a low cost or for free, rather than through commercial promotions or special offers in the traditional sense. The value it provides is in its accessibility and the unique experiences it offers to the community.

Here's how its "offers" are structured:

• Free Admission to Animal Preserve and Ecology Site: The core attraction, including viewing over 100 animals and exploring the ecology exhibits, is free of charge for all visitors. This makes it an incredibly affordable and valuable outing for families on Long Island.
• Affordable Parking: A nominal parking fee of $5 per car allows access to the entire facility, which is a significant value given the breadth of activities available.
• Low-Cost Animal Feeding: For a mere 25 cents, children can purchase feed for the goats, providing an engaging and memorable interactive experience that is highly accessible.
• Affordable Guided Tours: For those interested in a deeper dive, guided tours are available by appointment for a modest fee of $5 per person (minimum of 10 people), offering an educational "behind-the-scenes" look.
• Seasonal Pool Access: While the triple pool complex requires admission, it provides an affordable and convenient option for public swimming during the summer months, without the need for memberships at this specific pool. Pricing for pool access is managed by the Town of Brookhaven Pools department.
• Free Access to Exercise Trail and Playground: The fitness course and playground are freely accessible to park visitors, promoting active lifestyles without any additional fees.

Any special events or programs, such as seasonal festivals or educational workshops, would typically be announced through the Town of Brookhaven's official website or local community calendars. These events, when they occur, would also likely be free or have minimal associated costs, consistent with the park's mission to serve the public. New Yorkers should check the official Town of Brookhaven website for the most current information on pool fees, tour schedules, and any special events.

For direct inquiries regarding Holtsville Park, including its facilities, hours of operation, or specific programs, you can reach out to the Town of Brookhaven's Department responsible for the Ecology Site and Animal Preserve.

• Address: 249 Buckley Rd, Holtsville, NY 11742, USA
• Phone: (631) 475-4507 or +1 631-475-4507

It is important to note that various sources provide slightly different phone numbers for specific aspects of the Holtsville Ecology Site. While (631) 475-4507 is a general number for the park provided, other numbers found include:

• (631) 758-9664: Often listed for the Holtsville Ecology Site & Park.
• (631) 451-5330: Listed for inquiries about the Animal Preserve, including guided tours or for checking opening status during inclement weather.
• (631) 451-8085: Specifically for the Holtsville Pool.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, especially concerning specific features like pool schedules or animal preserve tours, it is always recommended to refer to the official Town of Brookhaven website or call the numbers provided and ask to be directed to the relevant department.

For New Yorkers, especially those residing on Long Island, Holtsville Park (Harold H. Malkmes Wildlife Education and Ecology Center) is an exceptionally suitable and highly cherished local destination that offers unparalleled value and diversity. Its multifaceted nature ensures there's something for every member of the family, making it an indispensable resource for community well-being and recreation.

Firstly, the park’s unique combination of a thriving animal preserve and an ecology site provides an educational and engaging experience unlike any other. Where else can you easily observe buffalo, bobcats, and eagles, or even feed goats, all within a short drive from your Long Island home? This accessible wildlife encounter fosters a connection with nature and instills an appreciation for conservation, making it a perfect outing for curious minds of all ages.

Secondly, beyond its natural and educational offerings, Holtsville Park excels as a recreational hub. The triple pool complex is a major draw during the hot summer months, offering a fantastic opportunity for families to cool off and enjoy aquatic fun without traveling to distant beaches. The 1.2-mile exercise trail, complete with various fitness stations, caters to health-conscious individuals and runners, providing a safe and stimulating environment for outdoor workouts. Coupled with a well-maintained playground, the park ensures that active play is always an option.

Finally, the affordability of Holtsville Park makes it an ideal choice for regular visits. With free admission to the animal preserve and a nominal parking fee, families can enjoy a full day of activities without breaking the bank. This accessibility, combined with the park's commitment to cleanliness and diverse amenities, creates a welcoming atmosphere that encourages repeat visits and fosters a strong sense of community pride. Holtsville Park is more than just a park; it’s a dynamic outdoor classroom, a recreational paradise, and a beloved local institution that truly enriches the lives of New Yorkers in Suffolk County.

Holtsville Park

249 Buckley Rd, Holtsville, NY 11742, USA