About Heckscher State Park
Heckscher State Park is a 1,600-acre state park on the Great South Bay in East Islip, run by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. It is named for August Heckscher, the philanthropist whose donation let New York State buy the land, and NYS Parks says getting it was one of Robert Moses' most difficult fights for public recreation on Long Island. The Friends of Heckscher State Park give its official opening as 1929.
History at a Glance
Before the Park: Three Estates
NYS Parks traces the land back to William Nicoll, the founder of the Town of Islip, who first built his estate here. In the 19th century the shore was split between the estates of George C. Taylor and J. Neal Plum.
August Heckscher's Gift
The Town of Huntington describes August Heckscher as a financier and philanthropist. The Friends of Heckscher State Park say he "believed that parks and open spaces should be available to everyone," and NYS Parks says the State bought the property using his donation. His name is on two Long Island parks: this one, and Heckscher Park in Huntington village, which he and his wife Nannie gave to the people of Huntington (see Heckscher Park, Huntington).
Robert Moses' Fight
The purchase was not popular with the neighbours. NYS Parks records "strong opposition from wealthy local residents," and calls the deal "one of Robert Moses' most difficult fights to obtain land for public recreation on Long Island." Moses closed the deal only with the help and support of Governor Alfred E. Smith. Today the park sits at the end of the Southern State Parkway, which runs straight into it as the Heckscher State Parkway.
Opening and the Park's Heyday
The Friends of Heckscher State Park give 1929 as the year the park officially opened, and say it "quickly became one of Long Island's premier outdoor destinations." Over the decades families came for its beaches, picnic groves, athletic fields, trails and boating, and the park hosted outdoor summer concerts that drew visitors from across the region.
The Park Today
NYS Parks describes Heckscher today as a park of "shady picnic groves," large open fields for soccer, cricket and lacrosse, four miles of paved multi-use paths, two bay beaches, a 69-site campground and a boat launch, with views across the Great South Bay to Fire Island. The newest addition is a row of 15 three-season waterfront cottages on Nicoll's Bay (cottages). The old swimming pool on the bay shore is closed.
The Friends of Heckscher State Park
A volunteer friends group works with NYS Parks "to preserve the park's history, protect its natural resources," and support the park through volunteering, education and events. Its website is friendsofheckscherstatepark.org.
Who Runs the Park
Heckscher is part of the Long Island Region of NYS Parks, headquartered in West Babylon. The park office is at Field 1, (631) 581-2100; the regional office is (631) 669-1000. This website is an independent guide and is not affiliated with NYS Parks.
About Heckscher State Park FAQ
Who is Heckscher State Park named after?
August Heckscher, a financier and philanthropist whose donation let New York State buy the land.
When did Heckscher State Park open?
The Friends of Heckscher State Park say it officially opened in 1929.
Who owned the land before Heckscher State Park?
NYS Parks says William Nicoll, the founder of the Town of Islip, first built his estate there, and in the 19th century it was the estates of George C. Taylor and J. Neal Plum.
Did Robert Moses create Heckscher State Park?
He fought for it. NYS Parks calls it one of Robert Moses' most difficult fights for public parkland on Long Island, won with Governor Alfred E. Smith's support against wealthy neighbours' opposition.
How big is Heckscher State Park?
1,600 acres, according to NYS Parks.