Al Fresco Dining Coming To North Hempstead Town Parks

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — Tables will be temporarily placed at designated park facilities throughout the Town of North Hempstead that are near restaurants to add outdoor dining space for residents in hopes of helping local restaurants amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Judi Bosworth, the town supervisor, and the town board said Friday places with pop-up dining locations will have a bulletin board featuring restaurants near parks. Patrons at dining areas must social distance and leave their table after 90 minutes. Residents should be mindful of others, the town said, and keep dining areas clean and litter-free.

"We are hopeful that this will help our local businesses attract more diners and give a new meaning to dining out," Bosworth said in a news release. "It will allow our residents to enjoy our parks while supporting local businesses.

"Our goal is to help facilitate additional seating areas for restaurants that are already operating at a reduced seating capacity. Residents will be able to eat outdoors near local restaurants while still adhering to social distancing guidelines."

Outdoor dining is included under phase two of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's NY Forward plan for reopening businesses. The guidelines do not allow for indoor service — that will return in phase three. Patrons must wear face coverings when not seated and all staff must cover their faces at all times.

The town's new outdoor table concept was first suggested by George Vatakis and Julia Petropoulos, owners of the Mediterranean market-café Herb & Olive Marketa in Manhasset. The town's internal Businesses Recovery Response Workgroup also suggested the idea and worked to launch the program.

Proposed locations:

• Town Dock - Port Washington
• Mary Jane Davies Green - Manhasset
• Blumenfeld Family Park – Port Washington
• Martin Bunky Reid Park – Westbury
• Clark Botanic Garden - Albertson