New Hempstead’s Landmarks and places of interest
New York Country Club Golf Course
New York Country Club is home to some of the most scenic views in the tri-state area. Designed by award-winning golf course architect Stephen Kay, New York Country Club features a beautiful championship golf course that is both challenging for the experienced golfer and fair and fun for the beginner.
The Brick Church
The church was founded by Dutch settlers in 1774 and was once known as the Reformed Church of West New Hempstead. Its present home was built in 1857 with bricks made from clay mined during the heyday of Haverstraw’s brick industry. The graves of Revolutionary War soldiers and some original settlers are found in its church yard. Its cemetery building once served as the town hall for Haverstraw and later for Ramapo. Due to overcrowding in the East Ramapo school district buildings in the 1960s, the district made use of the Brick Church School. Recently the church celebrated its 150th anniversary. The schoolhouse established in 1786 was used through the 1960s for public education. The church’s original 1778 stone edifice was designed and built by members of the congregation. The first pastors lived on the parsonage farm, which was sold in 1837, and is now the site of Rockland Community College.
The cottage across the street from the Parish House dates back to the early 1700s. It was originally the home of Town Supervisor Tunis Kuyper and as such was the first Town Hall. Since 1801 it has served as the home of several Brick Church pastors and cemetery superintendents.
Ancient headstones in the cemetery mark the graves of pioneers and of Colonial and British Revolutionary War soldiers.
Brick Church Cemetery
Dating back to 1794, the Brick Church Cemetery is listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and is the final resting place of many historic figures, including Revolutionary War veterans and Daniel Carter Beard, the first National Commissioner of the Boy Scouts of America.
Sandy Brook Park
Located on Sandy Brook Drive, this Town of Ramapo park is a great family destination for its stocked fishing pond, picnic areas, and playground.