Nassau County parks have recently found themselves caught in the crossfire of media statements and a part of ongoing negotiations between County Executive Tom Suozzi and local unions, as the two sides look for ways to navigate the local budget crisis without resorting to salary cuts or layoffs. Suozzi stated frequently over the past few weeks that a number of public parks and recreational facilities will close if a budget agreement with the unions is not reached.
While the financial well-being of the county and its employees is certainly more important than golf, local players have no need to worry about the short-term future of Nassau's five municipal golf facilities — Eisenhower Park, North Woodmere, Bay Park, Christopher Morley and Cantiague.
A representative from the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums told Golf On Long Island in an e-mail this week that Suozzi and the unions are close to an agreement and that both sides have stressed that parks and facilities should remain open.
"The golf courses are some of the most important parts of the Nassau County Parks system and would only close under a worst-case scenario," said the rep. "Even if the county were to close some facilities, the golf courses would not be affected."