The Friends of the Sands Point Preserve changed its official name to the Sands Point Preserve Conservancy last Wednesday to reflect the organizations new direction, officials said.
“We are in a period of tremendous growth, building partnerships with community-based and national organizations to increase the programs and services that we can offer the public,” Conservancy Managing Director Beth Horn said. “The great iron gates at the preserve’s entrance stand wide open, so people can experience this wonderful site in a multitude of ways — whether they hold their wedding here, or bring their children to the pond to watch the turtles sunning themselves.”
The conservancy’s mission is to preserve and protect the magnificent structures and grounds of the Sands Point Preserve, to promote the Guggenheim Estate as a living museum focused on the preserve’s rich history, natural habitats and the architectural features that enhance educational and cultural experiences for all who visit, according to its website.
Officials said the organization is expanding programs across the arts, education and services for visitors while continuing to maintain and improve the 216-acre Nassau County public park.
The organization also launched a new website, which highlights programs and activities.
Officials said a fundraising program is in formation, along with additional membership levels and event sponsorship opportunities to help fund programs and activities as well as enhancements and improvements across the preserve. The Campaign to Save Hempstead House will raise funds for exterior restoration work on this massive Tudor-style castle, in collaboration with Nassau County.
The Sands Point Preserve is working to enhance the former Guggenheim Estate to bring more benefits to visitors, and give them reasons to integrate the park into their lives year-round and become active members of the conservancy, said Conservancy Chairman Karli Hagedorn.
“Our plan now is to increase awareness about this beautiful historic site, so the larger community recognizes that the magnificent Gatsby-era mansions, the grounds, and all of our programs for families and adults are here for them,” Hagedorn said. “We’re pursuing financial support from Federal, state and local funders as well as historic preservation organizations to augment Nassau County’s support and our own fundraising work.”
Improvements in landscaping, exterior site lighting, and building maintenance are planned. “The importance of maintaining a safe environment and creating a welcoming experience to our visitors cannot be understated,” facilities director Lou DiPadova said, “As we continue to meet the challenges to maintain the Preserve’s 216 acres, castles and outlaying buildings, it is truly rewarding to be a part in upholding its legacy.”
The conservancy will host a Summer Solstice on June 19, Village Day Fall Festival on September 25 and Holiday Tales from the Hearth, which will feature religious and cultural traditions from across the globe, on Dec. 11.
New this year is the May 8 Mother’s Day Tea in the Hempstead House Rose Garden featuring live classical music.
Docent-led tours of Hempstead House, the former home of Daniel and Florence Guggenheim, are now available year-round on Saturdays and Sundays. Guilded tours of Falaise, Harry Guggenheim’s French-Norman-style chateau, run from May 19 through Nov. 20.
The conservancy will offer fitness classes including weekly mat classes by Evolution Pilates, rounding out the weekly schedule of yoga and mediation classes.
For more information about membership and sponsorship opportunities, as well as the calendar of cultural arts, fitness, and educational programming, visit www.sandspointpreserve.org.
