New Trail In Hamptons Honors World War II Navy Veteran

EAST HAMPTON, NY — East Hampton Town unveiled a new path recently, in honor of one of the nation's heroes.

The town, in coordination with the Duke family, held a dedication ceremony to celebrate the opening of the Tony Duke Memorial Multiuser Path at Boys and Girls Harbor Park. The project honors the legacy of Anthony "Tony" Drexel Duke Sr., a World War II Navy veteran and founder of Boys Harbor, who devoted his life to providing educational and recreational opportunities for generations of young people.

Tony Duke established Boys Harbor in 1937 with the vision of giving children from New York City safe spaces to learn and grow. "His leadership and philanthropy have impacted tens of thousands of lives, and the new path will ensure that his spirit of community and access to nature continues for years to come," the town said.

The 57-acre parkland where the path is located was purchased in 2003 through a partnership between Suffolk County and the Town of East Hampton, using the Community Preservation Fund and the County Drinking Water Protection Program. The property protects vital woodlands and wetlands within the Three Mile Harbor watershed and connects to other preserved lands in the area.

The multiuser path is part of a broader trail system that supports hiking, nature study and non motorized bicycling. In line with the adopted Management Plan, the trail system is designed to provide a safe and quiet place where families can walk, children can learn bicycle skills and all visitors can experience the unique woodland habitat and observe native wildlife.

Tony Duke’s lifelong commitment to outdoor education, environmental stewardship and creating access for all is reflected in the new path, town officials said.

The dedication ceremony included remarks by East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez, Director of Land Acquisition and Management Scott Wilson and members of the Duke family, followed by a ribbon cutting.