State completes Bellmore project in South Shore Blueway Trail

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The New York Department of State announced the completion of the Newbridge Road Park water access point project in Bellmore, part of its South Shore Blueway Trail Plan. 

The Bellmore project adds a year-round, ADA-accessible access point that connects to a waterfront access point at Seamans Neck Park in Seaford and joins a network of water access points along Long Island’s South Shore. 

The Newbridge Road Park and Seamans Neck Park access points include the installation of ADA-compliant “mobi-mats” designed to provide accessibility to beaches, parks, and other outdoor locations for individuals using wheelchairs or other mobility aids. The project included new native plantings, slope stabilization, silt fencing and waterfowl protection aimed at supporting climate resiliency to erosion, habitat protection, public use and enjoyment of the estuary and public environmental stewardship, according to a DOS statement. 

“The South Shore Estuary is one of Long Island’s crown jewels, offering recreational opportunities, supporting public health outcomes and driving the Island’s tourism economy,” Secretary of State Walker Mosley said in the statement. “These ADA-accessible water access points foster year-round recreational activity, while also leveraging continued economic growth in the region for generations to come. Projects like these accelerate the momentum and progress we’ve generated toward fully implementing the South Shore Blueway Trail and maximizing access to the bays for people of all ages and abilities.” 

Funding for the project at Newbridge Road Park came in part from the DOS Long Island South Shore Estuary Reserve program, which is supported by the New York State Environmental Protection Fund. The broader South Shore Blueway Trail Plan was funded by a $50,000 grant from the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP). The DOS LWRP program previously provided a $240,000 grant to Nassau County for accessibility improvements to existing boat ramps and kayak launches at Cedar Creek Park, Cow Meadow Park, Inwood Boat Ramp, Milburn Creek, Wantagh Park and two sides of Bay Park Beach. 

“Nestled along the south shore of Long Island, the Town of Hempstead is proud to work with New York State in implementing resources to help residents enjoy our local waterways,” Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin said in the statement. “The Newbridge Road Park Kayak Launch is one of many town access points to the Blueway Trail, and I look forward to this continued partnership in protecting, preserving, and enjoying the waters of Hempstead Town.”