Wantagh, NY – Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi, joined by Legislator David Denenberg (D-Merrick), Deputy County Executive of Parks, Public Works and Partnerships Peter Gerbasi, Deputy Parks Commissioner Richard Murphy, elected officials, community members and civic leaders today announced the dedication of funds to restore Mill Pond Park in Wantagh. Mill Pond Park is a 54-acre preserve on Merrick Road east of Bellmore Avenue.

The cost of this restoration project - approximately $1.5 million - is part of a larger $3.8 million capital project to restore three South Shore ponds. Restoration will begin in September and should be completed in a year.

“Funds for this restoration project were dedicated to eradicate noxious plant life and restore the aquatic habitat,” said County Executive Suozzi. “This capital project is an example of government working together to preserve the environment while creating better services for our residents,” he said.

In its current condition, Mill Pond is infested with Cabomba Weed, a plant life that is literally sucking the oxygen from the Pond and making it unfit for native life

Mill Pond acts as a storm water detention basin for the County. The goal of this project is the dredging of silt from the pond, the removal of invasive plant life and installation of vegetative pond bank systems. The Adam Rand Pathway dedicated in memory of Bellmore native and New York City firefighter, Adam Rand will be renovated with asphalt and brick edging.

“As our ecosystems are constantly changing due to the introduction of foreign species of harmful and invasive plants I am very pleased that Nassau County is taking a lead to save the natural integrity of our waterways,” said Nassau County Legislator David Denenberg (D-Merrick).   

 Mill Pond will be hydraulically dredged and cleaned.  An herbicide will be employed to eradicate the Cabomba weed before any dredging will begin. Shoreline stabilization work will include plantings and geotextile materials such as straw blanket. Plantings will consist of native species, including Redbud, Dogwood and Magnolia among others.