Officials Unveil Plans For Expansion Of Farmingdale Park

FARMINGDALE, NY – Oyster Bay Town officials unveiled plans for future development of the former Liberty Industrial Finishing site next to Ellsworth Allen Town Park in Farmingdale on Tuesday.

Supervisor Joseph Saladino, Councilman Joseph Muscarella, Councilwoman Michele Johnson, Councilman Louis Imbroto and Councilman Thomas Hand were joined by Nassau County Legislators James Kennedy and Rose Marie Walker, who have committed grant monies to assist in the funding of the project.

“For way too long, the Liberty site has been an eyesore in our community," Saladino said. "My administration is jumpstarting this community revitalization project so that the property can be enjoyed by seniors, children, and area sports teams. Ellsworth Allen Park will be the pride of Farmingdale when complete.”

The plans, which were developed in partnership with the community after the remediation process completed in 2011, include the construction of softball and baseball fields, a t-ball field, a multi-purpose field for sports teams, as well as a pedestrian/bicycle pathway, bathrooms and a parking area.

The year-long project got underway this fall with Town crews already beginning site preparation. Ellsworth Allen Park will more than double in size once construction is complete.

“This project is long overdue and a dream come true for most residents in Farmingdale and the Town of Oyster Bay," Muscarella said. "I was proud to lead the fight for environmental cleanup of the property and I look forward to joining with residents in celebrating the expansion of Ellsworth Allen Town Park when complete."

Plans for the park include the construction of three ballfields, including a: 90 foot baseball field with infield artificial turf and outfield natural grass; softball field with infield artificial turf and outfield natural grass; and an artificial turf t-ball field. Multi-purpose field space will also be constructed to accommodate sports teams.

Staff has been working to clear the property, and will remove rough grading, install an irrigation system, run conduit for lighting and pave a temporary parking lot.

The Town anticipates completing the project by the summer of 2019. In addition, future plans for the property could potentially include an upgrade to the western end of the property at Ellsworth Allen Town Park and construction of a community building.

“I am so proud to see that we are able to move forward with the expansion of Allen Park, to provide a beautiful facility for residents of all ages to enjoy,” Imbroto said. "Whether you and your family enjoy bicycle riding, jogging, baseball, softball or soccer, this new venue will serve as a premier destination for young families and senior citizens like.”

Helping to offset the cost of development, Kennedy and Walker have committed $150,000 in Community Revitalization funding to the project.

Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino (center second from right) was joined by Councilman Joseph Muscarella, Councilwoman Michele Johnson, Councilman Louis Imbroto, and Councilman Thomas Hand; as well as Nassau County Legislators Rose Marie Walker and James Kennedy; Town officials and crews, as well as local sports organization heads.

Photo courtesy of Town of Oyster Bay