Beach park fishing in Merrick, New York

Norman J. Levy Park & Preserve, located at 1600 Merrick Road in Merrick, New York, is a stunning park and tourist attraction dedicated to the memory of the late New York State Sen. Norman J. Levy. Opened in 2000, this award-winning Town of Hempstead preserve serves as a sanctuary for plants and wildlife, as well as a peaceful retreat for residents. The park features a windmill, man-made ponds, hiking trails, a fishing pier, and a kayak launch into the original Meadow Brook. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Jones Beach Tower, the New York City skyline, and coastal treasures from the park's highest point. The facility is home to various wildlife, including turtles, snakes, foxes, and a herd of Nigerian dwarf goats used for weed and brush control. The park also features woodland and prairie plant communities attracting different types of birds.