Parks’ Green Key card lowered for health care workers

On Tuesday, April 20, the Suffolk County Legislature unanimously passed legislation aimed to thank health care workers for all they have done for the residents of Suffolk County throughout the pandemic.

IR 1174, introduced by freshman Legis. Anthony Piccirillo of Holtsville, and co-sponsored by more than five legislators, reduces the Green Key card rate for Suffolk County parks and beaches for health care workers who reside in Suffolk County. The legislation reduces the Green Key rate by 50 percent for those who are health care workers. “

Health care workers in Suffolk County have gone above and beyond over this past year putting their health and mental well-being on the line for our residents; this is just a small gesture to say thank you” said Piccirillo.

The Green Key card will cost $15 for all health care workers. The reduced rate will be for a one period from May 1 to April 30, 2022.

Each Green Key is valid for three years and can be acquired by going to one of the designated county parks sites and showing a valid work ID.

“Health care workers have worked exceptionally hard under difficult circumstances, and I hope they accept this small gesture as a token of our appreciation” said Piccirillo. “As the weather begins to get warmer, I hope that all of our health care workers in Suffolk County will take advantage of this program and explore our county parks and beaches,” added the legislator.

In addition to this bill, Piccirillo sponsored two bills aimed to honor health care workers. Earlier this year, he passed a bill to honor health care workers from each legislative district every year during the June General Meeting. In 2020, Piccirillo passed legislation designating June in Suffolk County as Health Care Heroes Month. On every June 8, the H. Lee Dennison Building is lit up blue in honor of all of the sacrifices health care workers have made during the coronavirus.

“While we were told to stay home, these heroes went to work every day and put themselves and their families in harm’s way. I sincerely thank all of our health care professionals and appreciate all that they have done and continue to do for us” added Piccirillo.

If you are a health care worker and want to find out more information on how you can acquire a discounted Green Key card, contact the legislator’s office by calling 631-854-9611.