Montauk Playhouse Raises $575K+ For New Arts, Aquatic Center

MONTAUK, NY — Community members have opened their hearts for the The Montauk Playhouse Community Center Foundation, which has met, and exceeded, a matching challenge set at its annual gala in August to help create new Cultural Arts and Aquatic Centers in the iconic playhouse.

According to the Foundation, an announcement was made at the Aug. 4 event that a "generous donor" would match all capital campaign contributions made before Aug. 31 up to a total of $250,000; the organization surpassed that goal.

Over the past six weeks, the Foundation has received more than $325,000 in new pledges and commitments. Together with the $250,000 matching funds, "we have had a record-breaking summer, with over $575,000 raised toward construction," a release said.

The Foundation has now raised more than 75 percent of the funds needed to complete construction.

Board President Perry B. "Chip" Duryea, III said he is hopeful that the community will come together and raise the final $2 million: “I’ve heard many people ask: 'When are they going to build that pool?' It’s not they. It’s us. It’s everyone who feels that the citizens of Montauk, young and old, deserve a vibrant community center. We’re the ones who our going to build the pool. And as for when? The answer, with your help, is now.”

The permit process for the new Cultural Arts and Aquatic Centers is underway, with the Foundation receiving approval from the East Hampton zoning board in August, the release said.

"The Foundation is confident that construction on the Cultural Arts and Aquatic Centers will begin this year, and our current timeline projects a spring, 2020 opening. The completed community center will be a home for art, recreation, health and education on the East End," Foundation members said.

Plans for the Aquatic Center include two pools, a 25-yard lap pool and a smaller therapy pool. The Cultural Arts Center will consist of a versatile, multi-use space that can be configured into a theater or a conference and event space.

"This is our time to say what Montauk should be now and in the future. Not since the Montauk Library has there been a civic initiative designed to enhance the lives of people of all ages," Duryea said.

Patch photos courtesy the Montauk Playhouse Community Center Foundation.