Washington Avenue Park Honored by NY State Parks Group

The recently renovated in Seaford has been granted the Outstanding Facility Award by the New York State Recreation and Parks Society.

Washington Avenue Park underwent $1.1 million in renovations last year thanks to the efforts of the Seaford Wellness Council, which pushed for the project after seeing the 4-acre parcel neglected for many years. The renovations included the installation of synthetic turf infields and re-seeded natural grass outfields on the park’s two Little League baseball/softball fields. An extensive drainage system is also being incorporated on the fields, which are sunken below adjacent Washington and Jerusalem Avenues, in an attempt to ensure that they can be played on rapidly following rainfall.

The $1.1 million project is funded by the 2004 and 2006 Environmental Bond Acts passed by voters and Nassau County's Capital Improvement fund. The Seaford Wellness Council served as the bond applicants and sponsoring community group for the project.

The Seaford Wellness Council first began its involvement to see Washington Avenue Park get updates in 2005 after surveying the public and determining that many in the community were concerned about the facility’s “neglected and dilapidated status.” A for the park was held last September.

“The renovation, which started in 2009 and finished in 2010, resulted in a wonderful community asset,” said Peter Ruffner, Secretary and Director of the Seaford Wellness Council, in a statement after finding out that the improvements to Washington Avenue Park had been recognized by the state. “As the park’s sponsoring organization for the renovation, the Seaford Wellness Council is pleased that this award has been granted, satisfied that its extensive time and diligence in the project was recognized and, most importantly thrilled that the Seaford community again has a park it can be proud of.”

The improvements to Washington Avenue Park covered in the $1.1 million project also included adding new dugouts and stands as well as fencing. New ADA-compliant playgrounds were also constructed for both pre-school and school-aged children along with new restrooms, parking lots, pathways and a fitness trail. A concession stand is also planned to help supply revenue to support the Seaford Little League and Long Island Greyhounds softball teams that utilize the park.

 “I am very pleased to see that the Recreation and Parks Society has seen fit to recognize our Parks Department for an award,” said Nassau County Executive Mangano in a statement.