# 96: Mill Pond Park

Whether March comes in like a lion or a lamb this week ... whatever the weather, the beautiful, untouched “patch” of Bellmore known as Mill Pond Park is worth a visit. 

Viewed from Merrick Road, despite the quaint gazebo and inviting park benches found there, it’s hard to believe that beyond this edge of the pond is a full 54-acre preserve with several long and winding nature trails. While the pond is home to various native waterfowl, its surrounding woodlands boast majestic red maple trees and fragrant coast pepperbush, whose white lilac-scented flowers bloom from July through September.

The park is one the last bits of truly open space in Bellmore, fortunately earmarked to stay that way. Owned by the county since 1967, the preserve benefited from a major capital project that included cleaning and dredging, removal of invasive plant life, landscaping, and other improvements completed about two years ago.

One of the nature trails within the park is named the Adam D. Rand Memorial Trail in 2004 in honor of the New York City firefighter and Bellmore volunteer firefighter who lost his life in the 9/11 terrorist attack on the Twin Towers.

Whether walking one of the trails or sitting in the gazebo or on one of the benches, Mill Pond Park ranks as Bellmore’s MVP (most valuable park) for tranquility and scenery.

Be sure to come back here next Tuesday for idea #95! Click here if you missed the previous posts.