• 516 Update
  • Posts
  • 🌊Pools, Ballfields and a New Vision for Bethpage Park

🌊Pools, Ballfields and a New Vision for Bethpage Park

See what could be included in the long-awaited redesign, plus Nassau’s renewed 9/11 memorial and the Islanders jersey contest.

In partnership with

Hello Nassau! Let’s Talk What’s New & What’s Next šŸ’™

Some community spaces are worth waiting for, and Bethpage Community Park is certainly one of them.

After years of cleanup, delays, and uncertainty, plans for a redesigned park are beginning to take shape. For families who remember spending time there, the possibility of new pools, ballfields, and gathering spaces may feel like a long-awaited step forward.

Today is about renewal, remembrance, and leaving a mark on something close to home. Let’s take a closer look.

— Janine, Mo and Nick

Today’s Edition: 
🌊 Bethpage Community Park Redesign Moves Into Planning Stage
🌊 Eisenhower Park 9/11 Memorial to Be Rebuilt Ahead of 25th Anniversary
🌊 Islanders Ask Fans to Design a Future Third Jersey
šŸ—“ļø Upcoming Events and Things To Do!

• Fun Fact Spotlight
In Massapequa, the longest hiking trail in Nassau County starts at Peter J. Schmitt Massapequa Preserve and runs all the way to Cold Spring Harbor

Bethpage Community Park Redesign Moves Into Planning Stage

Photo by Long Island Press

The Town of Oyster Bay has hired LiRo Engineers to begin designing a rebuilt Bethpage Community Park. Early ideas include a new ballpark, swimming pools, a playground and a picnic area. The redesign cannot move forward fully until PCB-contaminated soil is removed, and the town is still coordinating cleanup plans with environmental regulators and Northrop Grumman. No reopening date has been set, although officials estimate construction could take about 18 months once work begins.

The Matcha That Ruined All Other Matcha

Many of us crave energy that feels clean and steady. Not the jittery spike-and-crash kind.

That’s why I keep coming back to Sun Goddess Matcha by Pique. It’s easily the best matcha I’ve tasted.

In a market full of dull, bitter powders, this ceremonial-grade matcha stands apart for both flavor and purity. Crafted by Japanese tea masters and shaded 35% longer, it’s naturally rich in antioxidants and L-theanine to support calm focus and balanced energy.

The result is vibrant, smooth matcha that carries you through brighter mornings and fuller days. No spikes. No crashes. Just sustained energy that works with your body.

If you’re ready for a better morning ritual, try Sun Goddess Matcha here. šŸŒæšŸµ

Eisenhower Park 9/11 Memorial to Be Rebuilt Ahead of 25th Anniversary

Nassau County has broken ground on a new Sept. 11 memorial at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, replacing an aging monument ahead of the 25th anniversary of the attacks. The $350,000 project is being supported by $150,000 in county funding and $200,000 in private donations. The rebuilt memorial will update the site, correct an engraving error and continue honoring the victims and first responders whose names and service remain central to Nassau County’s remembrance.

Islanders Ask Fans to Design a Future Third Jersey

The New York Islanders are giving fans a rare opportunity to help shape the team’s look. Supporters can use an online tool featuring historic logos, patches, team fonts and color options to create a proposed third jersey for the 2027-28 season. Submissions close July 24, after which five finalists will be selected for a public vote in early August. The winning design will be worn on the ice, and its creator will receive a signed jersey and tickets to a game.

šŸŒ¤ļø WeatherWatch

Tuesday, July 14
High: 89°F | Low: 69°F
šŸ”„ Very hot with a mix of clouds and sunshine

Wednesday, July 15
High: 97°F | Low: 77°F
ā˜€ļø Sunny, scorching, and the hottest day of the week

Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center, Oyster Bay
Where Oyster Bay Gets Quiet

This 14-acre sanctuary feels intimate rather than sprawling, with native plant gardens, small ponds, and a mile of trails. Audubon says it was the country’s first National Audubon Society songbird sanctuary, and Theodore Roosevelt’s gravesite sits at the edge of the property, which gives the stop a little more weight than a standard nature walk.

Sponsord Ad

Which type of pet insurance do you need?

Accident & illness policies, accident coverage, and wellness riders all offer varying degrees of protection. Which one do you need? View Money's list of best pet insurance providers of 2026 to find the best fit for you.

Nassau Events Worth Knowing This Week

Here are a few local events to keep on your calendar, including family activities, community gatherings, live music, food events, and weekend plans across the county.

Before you go, check the event page for registration, parking, weather updates, and schedule changes.

Thursday, July 16th

Brooklyn Nets vs Houston Rockets

NBA Summer League - Las Vegas

04:30 PM / 01:30 PM PT | Cox Pavilion, Las Vegas, NV

Neutral Site!

Stream: Gotham Sports App

Thursday, July 16th

Long Island Ducks vs Lancaster Stormers

Atlantic League Baseball

06:35 PM | Fairfield Properties Ballpark, Central Islip, NY

Home Game!

Stream: Dugout TV / HomeTeam Network

Thursday, July 16th

Golden State Warriors vs New York Knicks

NBA Summer League - Las Vegas

07:00 PM / 04:00 PM PT | Cox Pavilion, Las Vegas, NV

Neutral Site!

TV: ESPN2

Stream: ESPN app / ESPN.com

Thursday, July 16th

New York Mets vs Philadelphia Phillies

MLB Regular Season

07:10 PM | Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia, PA

Away Game!

TV: National - ESPN

Radio: Phillies - 94 WIP | Mets - Audacy Mets Radio WHSQ 880 AM, Audacy App 92.3 HD2

Stream: ESPN app / ESPN.com

Thursday, July 16th

New York Liberty vs Dallas Wings

WNBA Regular Season

09:00 PM / 08:00 PM CT | College Park Center, Arlington, TX

Away Game!

Want your Nassau event featured?
516 Update highlights local events, festivals, live music, family activities, community gatherings, fundraisers, and seasonal happenings across Nassau. Reach local readers looking for things to do, attend, and explore.

Thanks for reading this week’s 516 Update! We hope you found something to enjoy, explore, or share. Please share this with a friend or family member-we would really appreciate it!