Support NY Senate Bill S7868 / Assembly Bill A08621: A Better Future for Great Neck Parks

You may have recently seen a petition circulating about the proposed land swap legislation currently under consideration in Albany. This fact sheet is intended to inform the community and clearly lay out the facts.

We invite all Great Neck residents to support a responsible, community-focused plan—New York State Senate Bill S7868 and Assembly Bill A08621—that expands public parkland, improves access to green space, and meets the needs of our growing community.

This plan creates more usable parkland and provides much-needed support for community programming, while preserving our environment and protecting against overdevelopment.

What This Bill Does

• A 5.76-acre parcel—formerly the Wildwood Pool Club—will be added to the Great Neck Park District.
• In exchange, a 2.49-acre parcel of mostly non-green, already disturbed land near Steamboat Road will be used for additional parking at the new community center.  
• The result is a net gain of over 3 acres of parkland, with no cost to taxpayers.

Benefits to the Entire Community

• Protecting the Land from Development: Adding this land to the park system ensures it will remain open space and prevents private residential or commercial development in the Wildwood area.
• Tree Planting & Environmental Restoration: This project will be carried out in coordination with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and will include new tree plantings and environmental improvements as part of the park creation process.
• Improved Access & Safety: The added parking area eases congestion and improves traffic flow around Steamboat Road.
• Upgraded Public Amenities: The nearby bathrooms, playground, and basketball court are being improved and relocated within the park as part of the long-term park maintenance plan, not removed or downgraded.

Setting the Record Straight

• The new passive park will be open to all Great Neck Park District residents, just like existing park facilities.
• No wetlands are being developed—This plan protects, safeguards and enhances sensitive environmental land through official oversight and approval of DEC.
  
• The Steamboat Road entrance to Kings Point Park is not being removed.
• Environmental experts have reviewed and developed this plan to mitigate any negative environmental impact and further protect and expand our beautiful parks.

See the Plan for Yourself
This aerial photo shows how the plan would work:

• In yellow: 2.49 acres of already-used land to be repurposed for community use.
• In green: The creation of a new 5.76-acre open space added to the park system for Great Neck families to enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let’s Move Forward—Together
By signing this petition, you’re supporting a plan to increase and protect our green space. Prevent overdevelopment and the evolving needs of Great Neck residents.

Please add your name below to support NY Senate Bill S7868 / Assembly Bill A08621 and this balanced, forward-thinking land plan.