If you move or visit a place in Suffolk County on Long Island, you may be thinking that you would like to enjoy the local parks and golf courses. To do so, you will need to purchase a Green Key card, which allows access and reduced fees to Suffolk County parks and activities, as well as local golf courses.
What the green card gets you
Many of the parks in Suffolk County offer beaches, golf, camping, fishing, sports facilities, playgrounds, and some even offer horseback riding and rowboat rentals. To enjoy these activities you will need a green key. You can also access the automated golf and camp reservation system online with Green Key and get reduced rates for camping, golf and docks.
Who can get a green card?
Both residents and non-residents can purchase Green Key cards. Green cards are valid for three years. Non-resident cards are available for a higher rate than the resident card and are valid for one year. There are two types of non-resident cards: a non-resident Green Key and a non-resident reserve Green Key. The former offers the same benefits as the resident Green Key card, while the Green Key Reserve only allows you to access the online reservation system for golf and camping.
How to buy a green card
For a Green Key resident, you must purchase the card in person at one of several parks (some offer the cards year-round, others only between Memorial Day and Labor Day). Non-residents can purchase their cards over the phone with a credit card through the Park Operations Office, open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
To purchase a resident Green Key, you will need to bring two valid forms of identification. Proof of identification must be a photo ID with your address, such as a driver’s license. A second proof of identification can be a Suffolk County property tax bill, Suffolk County property deed, motor vehicle registration, Suffolk County utility bill, Suffolk County library card, or Suffolk County library card. voter registration.
Where to buy a green card
Green Key cards can be obtained at various parks throughout Suffolk County. Throughout the year, cards are available at Blydenburgh County Park, Cathedral Pines, Indian Island County Park, Lake Ronkonkoma, Sears Bellows County Park, Smith Point County Park, and West Sayville. In season, you’ll find the cards at Bergen Point, Cedar Point, Cupsogue Beach County Park, Montauk County Park, Shinnecock East County Park, Southaven County Park, and Timber Point Golf Course.
Discount or free Green Key cards
For residents, there are several free or discounted Green Key cards available (proof required):
- Handicap Green Key (discounted): Must show New York State Park Access Pass or SC Handicap ID Card issued by Suffolk County Office of Disability Services.
- CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) Green Key (discounted) – Volunteers must show a valid photo identification card of the Suffolk County CERT team member or a letter written on Department letterhead stating that the state is active.
- Auxiliary Police Green Key (discounted): You must show your Auxiliary Police ID at the time of purchase or an official letter stating Active and Auxiliary.
- Green Firefighter / EMT Key (discounted) – You must show your ID card or a written letter to the fire department / official ambulance company stationery.
- Veterans Green Key (discounted) – You must show your DD Form 214 (Certificate of Exemption or Discharge from Active Duty) or a Suffolk County Resident Veteran ID card issued by the Suffolk County Office of Veterans Affairs
- Green Key for Disabled Veterans (Free) – You must bring a VA issued ID card that indicates a “service connected” disability.
- Active military green code (free): you must show your military identification card, mobilization and / or deployment orders. This is sold only at the West Sayville Operations Office.
- Senior and minor citizen (discounted): must show proof of date of birth. Senior is over 60 years old and Junior is under 17 years old.
Please note that you will have to pay a small fee for a replacement Green Key card.
