Veterans Can Now Purchase Nassau ‘Leisure Pass’ at One-time Rate

Veterans purchasing a Nassau County Leisure Passport to access county parks and other facilities can now do so at a one-time rate, rather than paying a fee every three years, thanks to a new law unanimously passed by the Nassau County Legislature Monday.

The law, which clarifies an ordinance already in place, enables veterans to pay only a one-time rate of $25 for the Leisure Pass and show proof of residency every three years, according to the county legislature.

The leisure pass provides residents discounted access to Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums facilities and will remain valid as long as the veteran continues to reside in Nassau County.

The bill was initially proposed in February by Leg. Ellen W. Birnbaum, D-Great Neck, who serves as a member of the Veterans & Senior Affairs Committee.

“It came to my attention from a local veteran that there were price inequities for leisure passes in Nassau County,” she said. “I immediately looked into the situation and discovered that there was, indeed, a disparity in rates being charged for veterans.”

Birnbaum’s law was amended by County Executive Mangano and the Majority in the Legislature to include active military members, conferring to them the same benefits that would apply to the veterans. That law was unanimously co-sponsored and passed by the entire legislature. 

The legislation also states that the senior citizens discounted rate already in place will not change.

“I believe the passage of this legislation has remedied the situation, allowing us to share a small token of appreciation to with our veterans, acknowledging their courageous service to our country,” Birnbaum said.