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Parks & Recreation
Responsibilities of Parks & Recreation
The Department of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs is responsible for managing the various programs and recreational activities the town provides. The Town of Babylon has full-time personnel and part-time seasonal personnel that staff its various facilities during the summer months. This department oversees the town’s parks and recreational facilities, including:
- Ocean Beaches
- Spray Parks
- Pools
- Parks & Playgrounds
- Marinas & Campgrounds
- Boat Launching Ramps
- Cedar Beach Golf Course
Summer Job Applications:
Applications for summer employment at our parks facilities are now available. New and returning applicants: please fill out the seasonal hiring form below.
- 2023 Seasonal Hiring Form (Must be at least 16 years old)
- 2023 Volunteer Swim Instructor Form (Must be 14/15 years old - volunteer)
- 2023 CIT (Counselor In Training) Form (Must be 15 years old - volunteer)
Passes & Permits:
Each summer the department publishes a guide advertising the programs that it administers. Purchase a pool pass and make use of the facilities at all town pools or enter a town beach with the purchase of a recreation parking permit for a modest cost. The Parks Department also issues permits for those seeking to use one of the many town facilities for recreational purposes.
Registration:
In order to register for activities online, you must have a Town of Babylon Username and Password. If you do not have a username, please visit the Town of Babylon Parks Website and click “Click Here To Create an Account.” After completing the account creation form, you will need to upload double proof of residency (license & tax or utility bill) and birth certificates for children under 18 in your household.
If you need help using the site or are unsure of your Username and Password, please Click Here or contact our office at 631-893-2100.
Email Updates:
Sign up to receive email updates about certain parks and recreation programs:
- Art Programs Updates
- Music Program Updates
- Day Camp – Phelps
- Day Camp – Buttitta
- Tennis – Phelps
- Tennis – Venetian
- Tennis - Sanchez
- Swim Lessons – Phelps
- Swim Lessons – Sanchez
- Swim Lessons – North Lindenhurst
- Swim Lessons - Buttitta
- Swim Team – All Teams
- Swim Lessons - Adult Swim Lessons
Permit, Facility & Program FAQs
- How do I register my child for the Town's Summer Day Camp Program?
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Registration is now online ONLY! You must have a user ID and password, which can be obtained from the Park's & Recreation Office, 151 Phelps Lane, North Babylon. For information, call (631) 893-2100.
- Can I register my child for day camp if he/she does not live within the Town of Babylon?
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No, all day camp participants must be Town of Babylon residents.
- How old do you have to be to enroll in the day camp program?
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In order to enroll in day camp children must have completed kindergarten. Children that have completed the sixth grade and are 12 years old are still eligible for day camp, but those children who have completed the seventh grade and are 12 are not eligible for day camp.
- Is day camp full time?
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Yes, there is a full day day-camp at the Fabio Buttitta Pool/Park in Deer Park. This program runs Monday – Friday, 9 am to 3 pm. A half-day program runs at the Phelps Lane Park/Pool and is run in two sessions per day. Children can enroll in either the morning session from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm or the afternoon session from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Each session runs Monday through Friday for five weeks. Please note that children CANNOT sign up for both the morning and afternoon session.
- What items should children bring to camp daily?
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Children should bring a towel on pool days and a snack every day.
- What is the cost for attending concerts at Tanner Park and Overlook Beach?
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All concerts at Tanner Park and Overlook Beach are free to the public.
- How many beaches does the Town have?
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The Town has three ocean beaches: Overlook (open only to Town residents with recreation permits), Cedar and Gilgo, and two bay beaches: Venetian Shores and Tanner Park. The two bay beaches have spray parks and boat launching ramps. The Cedar Beach golf course is also located at Cedar Beach and Overlook Beach. The Gilgo Beach Marina is located at Gilgo. Cedar Beach also boasts the Cedar Beach Marina which is accessible by boat and connected to Cedar Beach via a walkway. Camping (41 campsites) is accommodated at the marina for Town residents with full camping facilities available. Camping requires a camping permit which can be purchased at the Parks and Recreation office located at 151 Phelps Lane in North Babylon. For more information call 631-893-2100.
- How do I obtain a beach permit?
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For information on beach permits, please www.townofbabylon.com/parks and click Beach Permits.
- How much are Town resident beach permits?
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Resident Beach Permit: $45
Senior: $20
Veteran/Active Military: $20
Town of Babylon Volunteer Firefighter: $20
- What facilities can I gain entrance to with a resident beach permit?
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A beach permit allows you access to Cedar Beach, Cedar Marina, Gilgo Beach, and Overlook Beach, which are all located off Ocean Parkway. The beach permit also allows you to enjoy the Town of Babylon’s two bay beaches, Tanner Park in Copiague and Venetian Shores in Lindenhurst.
Please note that a Town beach permit does NOT qualify you for free entrance into New York State facilities including Robert Moses, Jones Beach, and Heckscher State Park.
- Where can I purchase a beach permit?
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Beach Permits can be purchased online or in person. For information on beach permits, please visit www.townofbabylon.com/parks and click Beach Permits.
- Can I still go to the Town of Babylon beaches if I am not a resident?
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Non-Residents can pay the daily entrance fee at Gilgo Beach and Cedar Beach during the summer season.
- Are animals permitted at the beaches?
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No, animals are prohibited from all Town beaches.
- Who maintains the Town beaches?
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All Town beaches open to the public on Memorial Day weekend. Town crews maintain all Town beaches and start work prior to opening day. The Department of Parks & Recreation is responsible for the maintenance of all bathroom facilities at Town beaches. Contact the Town's Parks & Recreation Department for more information, (631) 893-2100.
- How many pools does the Town have and where are they located?
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The Town of Babylon has five area pools that are open for residents only to enjoy. The pools are open full time in the summer (late June through Labor Day) and include: • Anthony Sanchez Pool: Sawyer Avenue, West Babylon, (631) 661-2067 • Fabio Buttitta Pool: Acorn Street Deer Park, (631) 242-4803 • North Lindenhurst Pool: Straight Path, North Lindenhurst, (631) 957-3510 • North Amityville Pool: Albany Avenue, North Amityville, (631) 842-6240 • Phelps Lane Pool: Phelps Lane, North Babylon, (631) 669-4654
- Where can I obtain a Summer pool pass?
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Pool passes can be purchased at the Parks & Recreation Department at 151 Phelps Lane in North Babylon, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Town pools are open from the end of June through Labor Day. Residents must bring their license, current tax/utility bill and birth certificates for all children (under 18 years old). All children under 16 years of age or younger must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older to enter a pool facility.
- How much do Summer pool passes cost?
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Residents can purchase individual or family plan summer pool passes. Please reference the summer Recreation Guide for up-to-date pool plan fees.
- What is the cost to use the Town pools if a plan is not purchased?
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The daily entrance fee for Phelps Lane pool is $7.00 per person. The daily entrance fee for all other Town pools is $5.00 per person. Proof of residency is required to use the pools. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or over. Children ages 3 and under are free.
- What are the rules for using the pools?
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No food or coolers are allowed at the pools. Bathing suits are required to enter the pool facility.
- When can I use the spray parks at Tanner Park and Venetian Shores?
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The Town's spray parks at Tanner Park and Venetian Shores are open daily during the season from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Geiger Spray Park is open 10:00 am – 7:00 pm. The spray parks are open for the season in late June. The spray park season close after Labor Day.
- Where is Cedar Beach Marina located?
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Cedar Beach Marina is located on the bay side of Cedar Beach. It is accessible from the beach by walking through the pathway and underpass which goes from the ocean side of Ocean Parkway to the bay side. The marina has berths for boats and 41 campsites for self-contained camp vehicles.
- How can I reserve space at the Town's campground and Cedar Beach Marina?
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Facilities for overnight camping (self-contained camping vehicles only) are located at the Cedar Beach Marina & Campground. The 41 campsites are available for weekly reservations, Friday – Friday. Reservations for the summer begin in March. Please visit the campground reservations page for more information.
- How often can I reserve space at the Cedar Beach Marina?
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Residents with a Parks & Recreation issued user ID and password can reserve camping site from Memorial Day through Columbus Day. Reservations are Friday at 12:00 pm through Friday at 10:00 am. Please note that residents may not reserve back to back weekends at the campground.
- How much does a Cedar Beach Marina reservation cost and how many spots can I reserve?
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Please see the Parks & Recreation website and current Recreation Guide for prices.
- How do I obtain a Boat Docking/Launching Permit?
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Boat Docking/Launch Permits will be available (in season) to Town of Babylon residents only and can be obtained through the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, 151 Phelps Lane, North Babylon. Permits can be obtained (in season) Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm.
There is a $50 permit fee, or $25.00 for residents 60 years of age or older. Residents must show double proof of residency and ownership of the boat. When purchasing a permit, residents must provide:
• A current New York State Driver's License of the person who owns the boat
• A current New York State Boat Registration
• A current tax or utility bill that displays their name and address - Can fuel be delivered to a boat, house or dock?
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No, all fueling must be done at a marine gas and fuel station and cannot be done on private property.
- What beaches do I have access to with the Town of Babylon Beach Permit?
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The Town of Babylon Beach Permit gives Town of Babylon residents access to:
Overlook Beach, Cedar Beach, Gilgo Beach, Cedar Marina, Tanner Park, & Venetian Shores
- How and Where are Town of Babylon Beach Permits being sold?
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Online: Residents with online accounts can purchase the Town of Babylon Beach Permit online from February 21th to April 21st! (Permits will begin being mailed in April.)
In Person: In person (drive-thru) purchasing will begin Tuesday, April 25th at various parks throughout the Town. If you would like to purchase your beach permit in person, bring your NYS Driver's License and NYS Car Registration (with matching name and addresses in the Town of Babylon) to a drive-thru location listed below. Please note, sales are credit/debit card only. American Express is NOT accepted.
In person sale dates from April 25th - June 22nd:
Tuesdays @ Tanner Park, 3 pm - 6 pm
Thursdays @ Venetian Shores, 3 pm - 6 pm
Saturdays @ Geiger Park, 10 am - 2 pm
- How much does a Town of Babylon Beach Permit cost?
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Resident: $45
Senior (60+): $20, NYS Driver’s License Must Indicate an Age of 60+
Veteran/Active Military: $20
Active Town of Babylon Volunteer Fire Department Member: $20
- What documents do I need in order to purchase a Town of Babylon Beach Permit?
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A NYS Driver’s License with an address in the Town of Babylon and a car registration with matching last name and address to driver’s license.
If you qualify for a discounted Beach Permit based on your status, you will also need:
Additional Documents Based On Your Status as a Volunteer Firefighter, Veteran/Active Military, Snowbird, Company Car:
1. Volunteer Firefighter: Volunteer Firefighter Card needs to be uploaded.
2. Veteran/Active Military: DD214 needs to be uploaded, if designated on license, please indicate that when uploading/Active Military ID Card should be uploaded.
3. Snowbird: Snowbird Affidavit needs to be uploaded.
4. Company Car: A letter on company letterhead (must be typed) stating:- That the resident has been assigned to that particular vehicle for the year and that they are allowed to use the vehicle for recreational purposes.
- The vehicle information (year, make, model, plate, & VIN#)
- The resident's name listed as sole driver, and resident's address as it appears on the driver's license.
- The company's name and address as it appears on the car registration.
- What is the online Beach Permit purchasing process?
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- Create/Login to your Town of Babylon Parks account. Click here to create an account/login.
- First Time User - Get "Resident Status" Upload your Driver’s License & Utility Bill. If you already have "resident status" you do not need to repeat this step. Click here to upload.
- Purchase your Beach Permit. Have a picture of your license and car registration on hand while completing your transaction. You will need to upload your documents during the checkout process. Click here to purchase.
- After you purchase your Beach Permit, your documents will be reviewed by the Park’s Staff. Your Beach Permit will be mailed to you beginning AFTER April 1st.
- How can I check the status of my Beach Permit purchase?
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- Sign into your online account.
- Click your last name in the upper right corner of the screen to open up the menu (desktop version) or click the three lines, top left of page to open up the menu (mobile version).
- Click the arrow under "My Account"
- Click "My History"
- Scroll to your current year's beach permit and click "Questions". If your documents have been viewed and verified, a verification date will be entered. If your permit has been mailed, the mailing date will be entered.
- When will I receive my Beach Permit in the mail?
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The Parks Department will begin mailing permits in April.
- I created an account last year, but don’t remember by username and/or password:
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Click here if you forgot your username. An email will be sent to you with your username.
Click here if you forgot your password. An email will be sent to you with a link to reset your password.
- I’m over 18 and live with family. How do I create an account/get a beach sticker?
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If you have a car registered in your name, please create an account for yourself at your address. There can be more than one “household” at each physical address in our system. We understand that different family structures exist and will accommodate all residents.
- What if my car is register to my company/job?
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Please submit a letter on company letterhead (must be typed) stating:
- That the resident has been assigned to that particular vehicle for the year and that they are allowed to use the vehicle for recreational purposes.
- The vehicle information (year, make, model, plate, & VIN#)
- The resident's name listed as sole driver, and resident's address as it appears on the driver's license.
- The company's name and address as it appears on the car registration.
- What if I have issues with my car registration and/or driver’s license? Or need to do a change of address on my registration/license?
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Please visit https://dmv.ny.gov/mydmv/mydmv scroll down to create and account or if you already have an account, log in to view your car registrations/complete a change of address.
- What if I need a replacement beach pass?
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To receive a replacement permit, the original permit must be taken off the vehicle (no photos) & submitted to the Parks Department. Please note that the permit is designed to shred when removed from the vehicle.
Replacement Sticker Steps:
- Write the permit number down
- Remove the permit from the car
- Bring the permit, documentation of the new vehicle purchased/leased (bill of sale or lease agreement), and the permit number to the Parks & Recreation Department located at 151 Phelps Lane in North Babylon, Monday – Friday, 9 am – 4 pm.
- How will you make sure non-residents won’t get access to a Town of Babylon Resident Recreation Permit?
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The Town of Babylon Resident Recreation Permit is designed to shred. If someone tries to remove it from a car window, it will come off in pieces. If someone tries to alter the plate information on the sticker by removing the sealant, the permit will shred and therefore become voided. Additionally, Park Rangers and Bay Constables will be monitoring the parking lots to match plates with the plate written on the permit. If they don’t match, the car will be given a summons.
- How do I obtain a Boat Berth Slip Rental Permit?
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Boat Berth Slip Rental Permits are available through the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, 151 Phelps Lane, North Babylon. The Town rents boat slips at Tanner Park in Copiague and South Great Neck Road in Copiague. Associated fees are $40.00 a foot for South Great Neck Road and the floating dock at Tanner Park. The main dock at Tanner Park is $50.00 a foot.
Applicants must prove they are residents of the Town of Babylon and requirements include:
• Provide a current New York State Driver’s License
• Provide a current New York State Boat Registration
• Provide copies of a current tax and utility billWaitlist applications are available under the Forms Center and can be submitted to the Parks & Recreation office. Waitlist applicants will be called in April if they are offered a slip for the season.
- How do I obtain a Camping Permit?
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Camping Permits will be available to Town of Babylon residents, and can be obtained through the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. For specific dates and times, please refer to the current Town of Babylon Recreation Guide released each April.
Camping Permits cost $50.00, or $25.00 for those 60 years of age or older. Camping Permits are for use at Cedar Beach only and applicants must prove they are Town of Babylon residents by providing:
• A current tax or utility bill that displays their name and address
• A current New York State Driver’s License that displays the address of the person who owns the camper
• A current New York State Camper Registration that is registered in the Town of Babylon
• A current New York State Tow Vehicle Registration that is registered in the Town of BabylonNo photocopies of any documents are accepted
- How do I obtain a Boat Docking/Launching Permit?
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Boat Docking/Launch Permits are available to Town of Babylon residents, and can be obtained through the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. For specific dates and times, please refer to the current Town of Babylon Recreation Guide released each April.
There is a $50 permit fee, or $25.00 for residents 60 years of age or older.
Required documents to be show at the time of purchase:
• A current New York State Driver’s License of the person who owns the boat with address in the Town of Babylon.
• A current New York State Boat Registration with matching name and address to NYS License.
• A current tax or utility bill that displays the name and address - Where can I use my Boat Docking/Launching Permit?
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The Boat Docking/Launching Permit allows residents to dock at the following facilities for an additional docking fee:
• Cedar Beach Marina: (631) 669-5949
• Gilgo Beach Marina: (631) 826-1255The Boat Docking/Launching Permit allows residents to use the launch ramps located at Venetian Shores and Tanner Park on the Great South Bay for no additional fee.
- How do I obtain a Jet Ski Permit?
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Jet Ski Permits will be available to Town of Babylon residents, and can be obtained through the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. For specific dates and times, please refer to the current Town of Babylon Recreation Guide released each April.
Jet Ski launching is available at Tanner Park and Venetian Shores ONLY.
Jet Ski Permits $25.00 per jet ski.
Required Documents:
• A current tax or utility bill that displays their name and address
• A current New York State Driver’s license that displays their address
• A current New York State Jet Ski Registration that is registered in the Town of Babylon
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Eva Rodriguez
Commissioner
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Marlon Marshall
Deputy Commissioner
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Parks & Recreation
Physical Address
151 Phelps Lane
North Babylon, NY 11703
Phone: (631) 893-2100
- What are the responsibilities of the Department of Parks & Recreation?
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The Department of Parks & Recreation is responsible for managing the various programs and recreational activities that the Town provides. Full-time employees and part-time seasonal personnel staff its various facilities during the summer months. This department oversees the Town's parks, beaches and marinas, pools, spray parks and an 18 hole par three golf course at Cedar Beach. The main office is located at 151 Phelps Lane in North Babylon and the phone number is (631) 893-2100. Each summer the department publishes the Recreation Guide listing the programs that it administers. Such programs include: special events like the Beach Blast; recreation programs such as swimming lessons, day camps, dancing and many others; sports programs and leagues; kayaking; tennis and many others. A full listing of offerings can be reviewed in the annual Summer Recreation Guide, a directory available at Town Hall or the Parks & Recreation Office. Any resident can register for a program. The Department of Parks & Recreation also issues permits for those seeking to use one of the many Town facilities for recreational purposes.
- Where is the Department of Parks & Recreation located and how can I get there?
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The Department of Parks & Recreation main office is located at 151 Phelps Lane in North Babylon, (631) 893-2100. From Sunrise Highway - take exit 40 and follow the signs for Deer Park Avenue North; once you are on Deer Park Avenue, Phelps Lane is the left immediately before North Babylon High School. From the Southern State Parkway - take exit 39 South to Deer Park Avenue; once you are on Deer Park Avenue, Phelps Lane is the right immediately after North Babylon High School. From Montauk Highway - make a left onto Deer Park Avenue; Phelps lane is the left immediately before North Babylon High School.
- What is the Recreation Guide and what kind of information does it provide?
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The Town of Babylon Department of Parks & Recreation produces the Recreation Guide each year to provide residents with information about the various programs, camps, and facilities the Town has to offer. In the guide you will find the names and phone numbers for the Town's recreation facilities, registration dates and times for Town programs, and information on annual Town events including the Beach Blast. Remember that the Recreation Guide contains information about all the programs for the entire year so keep it handy. The guide contains the dates and times for the Department of Parks & Recreation's Fall, Winter, and Spring events and programs. These include the Fall Festival, Tree Lighting at Town Hall, the Spring Egg Extravaganza and a wide variety of other activities.
- Where and when can I get a Recreation Guide?
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Please visit www.townofbabylon.com/parks and click “Recreation Guide” at the top.
- What are Parks & Recreation's Special Events?
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Special Events include:
- Annual Summer Beach Blast with Fireworks at Overlook Beach
- Free concerts at Tanner Park and various facilities
- Seasonal events like the Holiday Tree Lighting, Eggstravaganza, and Fall Festival
- What are the Recreation Programs?
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Recreation Programs include:
- Aquatics (basic swimming lessons, progressive, specialty, aquasize and competitive)
- Dancing (various styles)
- Day Camp (summer-5 weeks, ages 5 through 12)
- Music Lessons (most band and orchestra instruments)
- Parent and Tot (child play, movement, music, crafts and stories)
- Yoga at Gilgo Beach
- What are the Sports Programs?
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Sports Programs include:
- Kayaking (children and adults)
- Pickle ball (mini tennis)
- Tennis
- Martial Arts
- Golf
- Surfing
- When can I get an application for seasonal employment with the Town of Babylon Department of Parks & Recreation?
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Applications are available at the end of April through mid May. If offered a position, you can download the application from our Forms Center on this website.
- Does the Department of Parks & Recreation provide senior citizen discounts?
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Yes, senior citizens can receive discounted pool passes and beach permits.
- Does the Department of Parks & Recreation take care of tree trimming or animal control?
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No, the Department of Parks & Recreation is not responsible for tree repair or animal control. For tree repair questions or animal control problems, call Citizen Services, (631) 957-TOWN (8696).
- Does the Town of Babylon offer golf lessons?
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Yes, golf lessons for Town residents are provided throughout the summer months at the Cedar Beach Golf Course. For more information, including specific dates and fees, see the Recreation Guide when it is distributed in the Spring
- Do any parks in the Town of Babylon offer overnight camping?
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Yes, facilities for overnight camping (self-contained camping vehicles only) are located at the Cedar Beach Marina & Campground. The 41 campsites are available for weekly reservations, Friday – Friday. Reservations for the summer begin in March. Please visit the campground reservations page for more information.
- Can an Empire Passport be used to access Town of Babylon beaches and parks?
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The Empire Passport only provides access to New York State run beaches and parks. Residents of the Town of Babylon can purchase a Recreation Permit for Town Beaches to avoid a per-visit usage fee and to gain access to Overlook Beach. For non-residents and residents without permits, a per-visit usage fee is charged.
- Can a non-resident purchase a Recreation Permit for Town Beaches at a cost higher than that for residents?
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Recreation Permits for Town Beaches are only available for purchase by Town of Babylon residents. However, non-residents are able to pay the same per-visit usage fee as residents without Recreation Permits. Cedar Beach and Gilgo Beach are open to all.
- Can I use my New York State Access Pass at Town of Babylon recreational facilities?
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The New York State Access Pass is a state park disability pass. The Town of Babylon is accepting the New York State Access Pass for admittance into the Town beaches in lieu of a Recreation Beach Permit purchased through the Town. This courtesy will enable a resident access to Overlook Beach, Cedar Beach and Marina and Gilgo Beach.
- Where can I find additional park information?
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In addition to the Town of Babylon parks, there are parks managed and owned by the State, County and surrounding Villages. For more information, please contact the following:
- New York State Parks Program: (631) 669-1000
- Suffolk County Parks Program: (631) 854-4949
- Amityville Village Hall: (631) 264-6000
- Babylon Village Hall: (631) 669-1500
- Lindenhurst Village Hall: (631) 957-7500