Stannards Brook Park Receives Grants for Renovation

Nassau County has received a $400,000 matching grant from the New York State Environmental Protection Fund that will be combined with a similar grant from the Nassau County Environmental Bond Act for renovation work at Stannards Brook Park in Port Washington, announced Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi.

A wooded and narrow 3-acre neighborhood park, Stannards Brook Park is bisected by a winding brook and includes a trail for strolling as well as three small bridges that span the stream to connect to residential streets on the east side of the park. The park is also part of the New York State Significant Fish and Wildlife Habitat in Manhasset Bay and an important bird sanctuary. It is located at the intersection of Carlton Avenue and Charles Street.

The grants will be used to remediate drainage problems in the park, remove invasive species, plant native species, replace benches, renovate footpaths and bridges, and regrade certain areas. The renovation plan also calls for the creation of habitats within the park and information signs.

“The Environmental Bond Act, which was supported overwhelmingly by residents, is allowing us to enhance the quality of life throughout the County,” says Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi. “In the case of Stannards Brook, it will allow us to make some much-needed improvements to the park that will be good for our environment and the lives of residents in that community.”

In 2004 and 2006, Nassau County residents passed two environmental bond issues totaling $150 million. Those funds are being used to acquire and preserve open space, to clean up polluted brownfields, and for improvements to existing parklands, among other initiatives.