Nassau County is proud to host world class cultural and recreational facilities readily available for the benefit of its residents. With warm weather on the way I'm looking forward to visiting many of Nassau County's museums, parks, natural preserves, concerts and sporting events and I invite you to join me. The County is committed to providing exciting, inexpensive, and healthy summer programs for all residents to participate in.

Nassau County is the proud sponsor of over 40 parks and preserves. Many of these parks have venues specifically designed for recreational activities including baseball, softball, basketball, football, handball, jogging, soccer, swimming, tennis, and volleyball. Additionally, Nassau County parks have three 18-hole golf courses and four 9-hole golf courses that are available for public use. If you are interested in making reservations for any of the above fields or facilities please contact the Nassau County Parks Department at 572-0200 or visit their website for upcoming events at http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Parks/index.html

We are also lucky enough to have the opportunity to enjoy some fantastic events. There are concerts and cultural nights hosted by the County every week at a variety of venues, including Eisenhower Park, Jones Beach, Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, and the Tilles Center of the Performing Arts. The epic IMAX Theater at the Cradle of Aviation is always showing films and will once again be open during evening hours this summer. Fireworks shows, cultural activities, and other great events are common here in Nassau County.

The County's museums are both educational and worthwhile. The County currently sponsors 15 different museums, including the African-American Museum, which serves as the centerpiece of recent African American history and culture on Long Island, the Firefighters Museum and Education Center, the Holocaust Memorial & Education Center, the Nassau County Museum of Art, the Science Museum of Long Island, and the Cradle of Aviation Museum. Of course there is Old Bethpage Restoration Village, which has received national accolades for its re-enactment of mid-19th century life and includes old-time baseball, live music, and fun for the entire family. Many of the museums are free - some with an admission of only a few dollars.

I want to encourage you to make use of these fantastic county resources. I believe that Nassau County is among the best places to live in the country, not only because of the wonderful community but because of the impeccable services, ample opportunities, and numerous events hosted by local government. For more information check out the events schedule at the Nassau County website at www.nassaucountyny.gov, or call my office at 571-6214.