The Town of North Hempstead selected Quennell Rothschild Partners (QRP) with McLaren Engineering Group in 2016 to prepare a master plan for their underutilized 80 acre North Hempstead Beach Park and nearby 200 acre wood that would meet the diverse recreational needs of the Town residents and incorporate resilient shoreline and sea level rise mitigation design.

The team worked with The Town, the Advisory Group and the Department of State to facilitate site visits, community outreach, coordination with concerned local interest groups, design workshops attended by over 200 residents, and presentations over the course of 2 years leading to the final master plan. QRP reviewed Town recreational holdings and worked with residents to provide unique new programming including year-round use of the beachfront, a variety of food options, activities for teens and seniors, and support for a robust rowing program and improved waterfront access.  The Town and residents advocated for sustainable design practices including waterfront resilient shoreline engineering and protection and preservation of 200 acre natural area.

The final Master Plan reorganizes the park entries and circulation to reduce excess hardscape and improve the entrance experience. Major maintenance infrastructure is located out of the prime park open space. The park features a central performance lawn and stage for large event programming and a waterfront plaza with swing seats and a water feature.  A continuous waterfront esplanade strings together new active play, fitness, and sports courts, skate park and pump track. A sensory garden, dog beach, hammock zone and planted picnic knolls and a variety of waterfront dining options are unique to this park and a sled hill and location for a seasonal skating rink provide winter programming. New wetland areas and an engineered natural shoreline provide necessary resilient park protection.

The Town is currently procuring funds for the phased construction of the beachfront park.