27 August 2009
Suozzi, Mejias & Denenberg Tout New "Fields Of Dreams" In Seaford Park
Nearly $1 Million in Improvements for Beloved Local Park
SEAFORD, NY – Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi, Legislators David Mejias (D-Farmingdale) and Dave Denenberg (D-Merrick) were joined by the Seaford Wellness Council, community members and park-goers to break ground for two new "fields of dreams" at Washington Avenue Park in Seaford. The construction of the two Little League fields is part of a larger overhaul of the 4-acre community park that includes the construction of two new playgrounds (school-age and pre-school), new pathways and benches, a fitness trail and additional parking.
“This is a wonderful project that will enhance the quality of life for families in this area,” said Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi. “It is also another example of the targeted investments we have been making under my administration to revive the County’s parks system. While carefully monitoring spending, I also want to ensure that our parks are contemporary and beneficial for residents. We have many more parks projects that are in design phase and set for construction in 2010.”
The cost of the $985,000 project is funded by $581,000 from the 2004 Environmental Bond Act., including $35,000 for drainage improvements in the parking areas, with an additional $369,000 from the County’s Capital Improvement funding. The focus of the park rehabilitation is the Little League fields, which will have artificial turf infields and reseeded and graded natural grass outfields. In addition, the sunken fields will incorporate extensive drainage systems to ensure a rapid return to playing condition following a rainfall; new dugouts; new stands for spectators; and new fencing.
“What was once a safety hazard to be avoided will now be a community hub, where families will come together to make memories to last a lifetime,” said Legislator Mejias.
“These welcome improvements to Washington Avenue Park will make these fields the premier ball fields of Nassau County. I am proud that we were able to accomplish this using Environmental Bond Act money approved by so many south shore residents,” said Legislator Denenberg.
“I played one of the first Little League games in this park in the mid-60s and saw the park deteriorate over the past few decades. This renovation is a significant upgrade for Seaford and will be thoroughly enjoyed by the children and adults of the community. As an officer and director of the Seaford Wellness Council, I applaud County Executive Suozzi and County Legislator Denenberg for their wonderful efforts to return the park to its past glory,” said Peter J. Ruffner, Secretary & Director, Seaford Wellness Council
Other recent County parks projects include new bulkheads at the Wantagh Park marina; the installation of artificial turf multi-sport fields at Cantiague Park in Hicksville and Mitchel Athletic Complex in Uniondale; and new playgrounds at Centennial Park in Roosevelt, Christopher Morley Park in Roslyn-North Hills, and Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, the latter of which has been named the top park on Long Island by the Long Island Press. In addition, new fitness trails have been added to several parks and pond and park rehabilitation has taken place at four “passive” parks along the South Shore and within the Massapequa, Mill Pond and Roosevelt preserves, also on the South Shore.
Located at Jerusalem and Washington avenues, Washington Avenue Park has been a County property since World War II, when it was acquired for drainage purposes.
