Shoreline Stabilization Project Underway at Tanner Park In Copiague

COPIAGUE, NY — A shoreline stabilization capital improvement project to safeguard the coastline at Tanner Park should be finished in the next few weeks, according to Babylon Town officials.

"The Tanner Park shoreline stabilization project marks a significant step in our ongoing efforts to protect our coastal assets and recreational areas," Deputy Supervisor and Parks Chairman Tony Martinez said in an announcement about the work. "By addressing the erosion issues exacerbated by events like recent coastal storms, we are ensuring the long-term resilience of our waterfront areas."

Erosion has been undermining the shoreline — a problem made particularly evident after Hurricane Sandy, town officials said. It even affected the entrance to the Howell Creek canal near Tanner Park Marina.

With Suffolk County's dredging of the channel in 2022, the urgency to stabilize the area became paramount to prevent further erosion and protect vital infrastructure, officials said.

The popular waterfront park has several recreational turf fields and courts, in addition to a skate park, spray park, band shell where the summer concert series is held, and buildings that house Tanner Park Senior Center and a summer-time food vendor.

The scope of work involves the construction of about 386 linear feet of rock revetment, installation of roughly 412 feet of coir logs, and backfilling and planting with native vegetation.

This comprehensive approach not only fortifies the shoreline but also contributes to the preservation of local ecology, town officials said.

The Town of Babylon remains committed to proactive measures that prioritize environmental sustainability and community resilience along our south shore, officials said.