What Farmingdale Residents Want At Allen Park

FARMINGDALE, NY — It's officially been a couple of months since Allen Park's expansion was opened. Farmingdale residents had mixed feelings, though many felt that the expansion was too sports-heavy.

Patch asked Dalers what they would've liked to see in the park, with the community hoping that their calls will somehow be answered. Here are some common suggestions.

Swimming Pool

A public pool, indoors or not, was a common, well-received response.

"I would’ve loved a public swimming pool there!!! How many fields does one town needs for God sake?" said Assunta Mariani.

"I also say an indoor public pool, Farmingdale High School has an excellent program for all ages but the pool is falling apart!," Theresa Grieco Flaherty wrote.

Farmingdale will be getting a public indoor pool at Howitt Middle School at some point, according to a report from Newsday.

Splash or Spray Park

A splash or spray park was another very common response. Many feel it would be a compromise if a pool doesn't come to fruition.

"I keep hearing people say that they could not put a pool because of some toxic land, but a spray park would have been really great," said Donna DeSanto Domingo.

"An updated splash park and updated play area for the kids," suggested Fulano De Tal.

Dog Park

A play area for our furry friends was another common suggestion.

"We live off of Woodward Parkway and you can’t walk from 1st to 10th without passing a TON of pups that would love a park to play in (mine included!)," wrote Kevin K.

"I wish they did put a dog park. That would be great," Donna Zuzio said in response.

Traffic Light

Many residents called for a traffic light at the park entrance near Woodward Parkway and Motor Avenue.

"Stoplight at entrance before someone gets killed," Joan Lopresto wrote.

"Definitely needs a traffic light at Woodward Parkway and Motor Avenue entrance," said Kellie Burdge Rutkowski. "That intersection was always a disaster, and now it’s worse."

Band Shell

A band shell for more live music performances in Farmingdale was suggested by Lisa Gardner, and earned eight likes.

Extra Sports Equipment

Baseball and softball fields dominated the expansion, though there were a few more things Dalers wanted to see in terms of athletics.

Rob Debo said that he would've liked to have seen an ice hockey rink. Those who agreed "liked" the comment 12 times.

"It's the one thing that is really needed," he wrote. "Not enough ice hockey rinks for all the hockey teams. Especially since we have the Farmingdale Ice Hockey Club that is growing so fast."

Chuck Zwilling would love to see the skate park return.

Kerry Berthen Brodman wants more basketball courts.

Barbara Carola suggested volleyball nets.

Other Desires

Some other responses that gained traction were hopes for more trees, an extension to the fence to protect people playing bocce, more benches and tables, another playground, and areas specifically built for children with special needs.

The full thread with all the responses can be found below: