By Tim Jahn, M.ED
The Town of Brookhaven Ecology Site, Park and Zoo is located on a landfill that was closed in 1974. Now the site at 249 Buckley Road in Holtsville includes a playground and picnic area, a pool, a fitness trail, greenhouses and a zoo.
The 1.2 mile fitness trail is a paved path that takes you through wooded areas and open spaces. It is mostly flat with a few inclines. Exercise equipment such as pull-up bars and balance beams are scattered along the trail.
Walkers, joggers and bicyclists all use the trail. Families with children can also stroll through the zoo which features bald eagles, buffalo and black bears. After the zoo, head to the playground for more active play.
For more information, visit http://www.brookhaven.org/Departments/HighwayDepartment/WildlifeEcologyCenter.aspx
Tim Jahn is a Human Ecology Specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County’s Family Health and Wellness Program. He can be reached at 631-727-7850 ext. 331 or at tcj2@cornell.edu.
I grew up at the Holtsville Ecology site. For the past couple of years I have been walking the 1.2 mile trail 7 days a week. Since then I moved to Lake Grove which was quite a distance away. Now I have moved back to area and was told by a co worker that the park now has metered parking. Do we have have to pay metered parking just to walk the trail because that could become very costly doing it 7 days a week?
I think they may have an inexpensive yearly pass you can get there. You would need to speak to the Holtsville Ecology site directly.