Upgrades To T-Ball Field At John Burns Park Completed

MASSAPEQUA, NY — The Town of Oyster Bay announced that it completed upgrades to the T-ball field at John Burns Park in Massapequa.

Known as the "West Field," the field has been redone with synthetic turf, which will increase the amount of use it can get throughout the year.

"My administration is proud to have secured $50,000 in New York state grant funding toward the purchase and installation of this new turf field at John Burns Park," said Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. "These important aesthetic and safety upgrades will enhance the overall playing experience for our little leaguers and others who use these fields."

The field is the latest improvement to be made at John Burns Park, which saw field replacements at several other locations to enhance and increase playtime for thousands of young athletes. As a result of the state grant funds, administered through the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, the town's portion of the field replacement was under $4,300.

Synthetic turf fields generally have an approximate useful life of 10 years and are less expensive than the long-term cost of maintaining natural grass and a dirt surface. They also provide the potential for fewer cancellations of games due to inclement weather. This field was originally constructed more than 10 years ago.

"Synthetic fields aesthetically improve the look of our local communities and help increase play time for our young athletes, while beautifying our park," said Councilman Steve Labriola. "We continue to enhance our parks in a cost-conscious manner while protecting your wallet and keeping taxes down."