Town of Babylon's Parks
Spring is here and soon residents and visitors will be flocking to parks and beaches across the Town of Babylon. Here is a brief look at the history of many of our Town parks.
Tanner Park, Kerrigan Road, Copiague
The park was named for
Richard “Dick” Tanner (1895-1971)[i]
around 1962. Born
in Brooklyn, Tanner moved to Copiague in
the 1930s and became active in the community. He was a member of the Copiague
Fire Department, served on the Copiague
Board of Education, and worked for the
Town of Babylon Highway Department. He was the local GOP leader from
1937-1970, and was also a member of various local civic associations.
The 93-acres were originally planned for houses in the Amity Harbor neighborhood but the developer, reportedly, had to relinquish the property to satisfy unpaid Town taxes.
Richard Tanner and Town Supervisor Arthur M. Cromarty surveying the development of Tanner Park, c. 1960; and a portrait of Mr. Tanner.
State Trooper Fabio Buttitta Memorial Park, Acorn Street, Deer Park
Originally named the Deer Park Pool, the 9-acre park first opened around 1965. The park was renamed to honor New York State Trooper Fabio Buttitta, a Deer Park resident who was killed by a drunk driver while returning home from patrol on the morning of August 24, 1997.[iv]
Tommy Maiorini Park,
Pine Acres Boulevard, Deer Park
Originally named Pine Acres Park, the Town of Babylon ceremoniously renamed the 5-acre park for Tommy Maiorini in 2016.[v] Maorini served as President of the Deer Park Little League for 24 years.
Birchwood Park, Sunburst Drive, Deer Park
The 10-acre park was presumably named for the Birchwood development of homes that debuted in 1959.[vi]
Geiger Lake Memorial Park, Grand Boulevard, on the border of Deer Park and Wyandanch
William Geiger (1874-1934)[ii] was a real estate developer, across Long Island, in the early 1900s, and created suburban home developments in the present communities of Deer Park, Wyandanch and Wheatley Heights. Before his death, William Geiger set aside 23-acres with a lake for the Town of Babylon and its residents.
Spanning the boundaries of Deer Park and Wyandanch, the lake has been known by many names, depending on who owned the property – Deer Park Lake (1892), Colonial Springs Lake (1917), and Wyandanch Lake (1950). The Town of Babylon formally dedicated Geiger Memorial Park in 1957, and the lake is known as Geiger Lake.[iii] Geiger Lake is part of the Carll River, which was formed from underground streams to the north. The river flows south from Geiger Lake, through Belmont Lake (North Babylon), Southard’s Pond and Argyle Lake (Babylon), and to the Great South Bay.
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| Geiger Memorial Park, September 1958. |
Michel Park, Michel Drive, East Farmingdale
Dr. James
F. Michel (1865-1938)[vii]
was a physician who lived and worked in and around the village of Farmingdale,
in Nassau County. He started a real estate company known as J.F. Michel Realty
Co., which developed residential properties in East Farmingdale.
The nearly 3-acre recreation park, named Michel Park, was gifted to the East Farmingdale Civic Association,[viii] which, in turn, deeded the park to the Town of Babylon in 1957.
Entrance to Michel Park, early 1960s.
North Amityville Park and Pool, Albany Avenue, North Amityville
The park and pool complex first opened in 1967.[ix]
ACE Center Community Park, Cedar Street, North Amityville
The park’s name is an acronym for Amityville, Copiague, and East Farmingdale.
Bolden Mack Park, Great Neck Road, North Amityville
In 1973, the Town of
Babylon dedicated this community park in honor of North Amityville resident
Bolden Mack (1865-1975).[x] Bolden
Mack was born in Virginia and moved to Long Island around 1930. Mr. Mack died
just two weeks after his 110th birthday.
Bolden Mack, pictured in the garden at his Garfield Avenue residence (Daily News, June 17, 1971).
Phelps Lane Park and Pool, Phelps Lane, North Babylon
This
21-acre park opened in 1960. It was the first pool facility opened by the Town
of Babylon for use by residents. The original facility had been planned as a
private country club that never came to fruition. Town residents voted to
approve a plan to acquire the site for a public pool.[xi]
Phelps Lane,
the street, was named for Royal Phelps (1809-1884) who owned much of the
property that became Phelps Lane Park. Phelps made his fortune as a merchant
and a banker, and was a member of the New York Legislature, 1862-1863. Phelps
was well known for his philanthropy and involvement with the New York Historical
Society, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the New York
Society for the Protection of Game.
In 1863,
Royal Phelps began purchasing property in North Babylon, accumulating more than
50-acres of property, including a large pond. The property was known as The
Reel. The New York Times fishing
report, March 15, 1875, described the pond as “among the best stocked and most
beautifully situated private ponds on the south side of Long Island.” After the
passing of Royal Phelps, several gentlemen pooled their resources to purchase
the estate and formed the Rod and Reel Society, a fishing club, which owned the
property from 1886-1906. Royal Phelps is attributed with introducing the
recreational pleasures of North Babylon to his personal and business friend,
August Belmont. Belmont purchased 1300-acres of land, where he established a
horse-breeding farm. Today, 400-acres of Belmont’s property comprise New York’s
Belmont Lake State Park.
A busy summer day at Phelps Lane Pool, c. 1961.
North Lindenhurst Park and Pool, Straight Path, North Lindenhurst
The 6-acre park and pool complex first opened in 1968.[xii]
The old North Lindenhurst Pool building, 1980s.
Robert Dorner Memorial Park, N. Monroe Avenue, North Lindenhurst
Originally named Main Line Park, this community park was re-named by the Babylon Town Board in 1967 to honor Robert A. Dorner (1946-1966) who was killed in action, in Vietnam.[xiii]
Zahn’s
Park, Copiague Road, North Lindenhurst
This 4.5-acre park takes its name from the Zahn’s Airport that operated on the North Amityville – North Lindenhurst border from 1936 to 1980. Much of the old airport became the New Horizons business complex.
Town Hall Park, Sunrise Highway, North Lindenhurst
Following the 1958 construction of Babylon Town Hall, the lake was expanded as a feature for the park area.
Babylon Town Hall, Sunrise Highway, pictured around the time of its 1958 opening. The undeveloped area shown at the top of the photo is now Town Hall Park.
Capt. John C. Pape Memorial Park, Old Farmingdale Road, West Babylon
Formerly known as the North Street Ballfield, the 12-acre park was renamed in 1970, by the Babylon Town Board. [xiv] The park honors Capt. John C. Pape, who was a graduate of West Babylon High School, Class of 1961, and served 6 years in the U.S. Army, 101st Airborne Division, before he was killed in action in Vietnam, May 18, 1969.
Van Bourgondien Park, Albin Avenue, West Babylon
The 19-acre park
is named for the family who previously owned the parkland and operated a
well-known flower growing business – Cornelius and Clara Van Bourgondien.
Suffolk County purchased the property in the 1970s and the Town of Babylon
contracted to manage the public park in the 1980s.[xv]
In 2019, the renewed playground at Van Bourgondien Park was named for Det. Peter Figoski, an NYPD officer who was killed in the line of duty, in 2011.[xvi]
Anthony Sanchez Memorial Park and Pool, Sawyer Avenue and Bedell Road, West Babylon
This 12-acre park opened in 1962.[xvii] Originally known as Sawyer Avenue Pool, the park was renamed on June 24, 1997 in honor of New York City Police Officer Anthony Sanchez who was killed in the line of duty on May 19, 1997. Sanchez was a West Babylon resident and a 10-year veteran of the Police Department.[xviii]
Venetian Shores Beach and Spray Park, Granada Parkway, Lindenhurst
The 26-acre bay-front park takes its name from the residential home development named Venetian Shores, which started in 1926.[xix]
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| (l-r) SSG Kevin VerPault, Hermann Griem, and Hermann Griem Park, c. 2010. |
Kevin VerPault Memorial Park, Little East Neck Road, Wheatley Heights
Formerly known as Colonial Springs Park, the 11-acre park was renamed in 1980 and dedicated to the memory of Staff Sgt. Kevin E. VerPault (1947-1968), 1st Infantry Division, who was Killed in Action in Vietnam in defense of his country. He also served his community as a member of the Wyandanch Volunteer Fire Co. and V.F.W. Post 2912.[xx]
Hermann Griem Park, Brown Boulevard, Wheatley Heights
In 1971, the Town of Babylon named the 13-acre park for Hermann Griem (1908-1989).[xxi] As a community member and president of the Wheatley Heights Community Association, Mr. Griem was a driving force in the establishment of the Wheatley Heights Post Office Sub-Station in 1974, thereby launching the community name.
Wyandanch Park, Mount Avenue, Wyandanch
Wyandanch Park, 1958.
Cedar Beach – Giglo Beach – Overlook Beach, Ocean Parkway
Gilgo Beach, c. 1961. Note the red, white and blue bucklet labeled "Gilgo."
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| Overlook Beach, 1961. |
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| Cedar Beach Bath House, 1948. |
[i] “Obituaries – Richard H. Tanner,” Newsday, May 17, 1971, p. 28.
[ii] “William Geiger,” The New York Times, June 14, 1934, p. 23; “William Geiger,” Brooklyn Daily Eagle, June 15, 1934, p.
17.
[iii] “Wyandanch Shaft Honors Land Gift,” Newsday, June 19, 1957, p. 29; “Babylon
Dedicates Geiger Park Area,” Long Islander,
July 4, 1957, p. 11.
[iv] “Soldier in War On DWI Killed – State
trooper hit by alleged drunk driver,” by Jordan Rau, Newsday, August 25, 1997, p. 3; “Final Farewell To a Gentleman,” by
Olivia Winslow, Newsday, August 28, 1997,
p. 8
[v] “Ballpark Renamed in Honor of Little
League President,” by Brendan Cunningham, Deer Park-North Babylon, NY Patch,
April 22, 2016, https://patch.com/new-york/deerpark-northbabylon/ballpark-renamed-honor-little-league-president;
Town of Babylon Resolution No. 223, March 23, 2016, Authorizing the Ceremonious
Renaming of Pine Acres Park “Tommy Maiorini Park.”
[vi] “350-Family Colony Opened in Babylon,” Daily News, September 12, 1959, p. 28.
[vii] “Dr.
James Michel, L.I. Banker, Dies,” Brooklyn
Daily Eagle, January 21, 1938, p. 13; “Dr. James F. Michel – President of
Farmingdale Bank Practiced Medicine 52 Years,” The New York Times, January 22, 1938, p. 15.
[viii] “Community Builds Own Park,” by Judy
Cummings, Newsday, July 24, 1954, p.
10.
[ix] “N. Amityville Pool Fees Cut 50%,” Newsday, August 2, 1967, p. 38.
[x] “105th
Birthday for ‘Mack the Life,’” Daily News,
June 17, 1971, p. NS1; “A Look at the Last Hundred Years From Two People Who
Lived Them,” Newsday, February 14,
1975, p. 4A; “Bolden Mack,” Newsday,
July 1, 1975, p. 33.
[xi] “Babylon Vote Set on Park Plan,” Newsday, May 4, 1960, p. 26; “Babylon
Sets Dedication of Newest Park,” Daily
News, July 24, 1960, p. Q16; “Moses Rallies Rhetoric, Hits Park Foe,” Newsday, August 2, 1960, p. 9; “Phelps
Lane Park Is Formally Dedicated,” Babylon
Town Leader, August 4, 1960, p. 8-A; “Cool View,” Newsday, August 3, 1960, p. 11C.
[xii] “Everybody Into the Pool,” by Richard
Goldstein, Newsday, July 6, 1968, p.
14-16W
[xiii] “Posthumous Award,” Newsday, July 19, 1966, p. 16; “Park Renamed In Memory of Vietnam
Hero,” Daily News, December 24, 1967,
p. Q10
[xiv] John
Charles Pape was raised in West Babylon and graduated West Babylon High School
in 1961. In the 1961 West Babylon High School yearbook Pape appeared on several
pages – as a noted art student, for participation in stage crew, and as a
baseball player. After graduation, following the example of his father Charles
who had served during World War II, he joined the Army. His younger brother
Donald later answered the call to service, joining the Navy.
After
serving one tour in Vietnam, John Pape returned home for leave in 1967. The
local news touted the achievements of then Lieutenant Pape noting that “he
served with the 1st Air Cavalry Division as a Rifle Company
Commander … received the Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal, the 1st
and 2nd Award of Bronze Star for Valor … the Purple Heart [and
would] be receiving the Silver Star” when he reported to Fort Wadsworth, Staten
Island, after his leave. They also reported that he intended to make the Army
his career.
John Pape
returned to Vietnam where he was promoted to Captain and by all accounts served
with honor and distinction. Writing in 2006, William Hawkinberry posted a
tribute to his friend with whom he had graduated from Officer Candidate School
in 1965: “John was a hard-driving Platoon Leader, but never asked his men to do
something that he would not do.” While
serving in the Quang Tin Province of Vietnam, Captain John C. Pape was killed
in action. He left behind not only his parents, two brothers and a sister, but
a wife and two young children.
In May
1970, Town of Babylon Councilmen Rowland Scott and Patrick Waters offered the
following resolution:
WHEREAS,
the late CAPTAIN JOHN C. PAPE, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles T. Pape of West
Babylon, died in the service of his country May 18, 1969 on a second voluntary
tour of duty in Vietnam, and
WHEREAS,
CAPTAIN PAPE, holder of The Silver Star, The Bronze Star and numerous other
decorations, distinguished himself by his gallantry and valor,
NOW,
THEREFORE, be it RESOLVED that after consultation with the Sgt. John Sardiello
Post, American Legion, the Town Board does hereby authorize the field known
only as “North Field” at North Street in West Babylon, be dedicated on Memorial
Day, May 30, 1970, as “THE CAPTAIN JOHN C. PAPE MEMORIAL FIELD” in memory of
Captain Pape, and in recognition of the sacrifices made by all the brave men
from the Town of Babylon who have given their lives in the service of their
country. Unanimously adopted.
His name
is inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, in Washington, DC, on Panel 24W,
Line 49.
[xv] “Van Bourgondien Property To Become A
County Park,” Babylon Beacon, July 3,
1980, p. 1; “After Five Years, Park Plan is Okd,” by Kristen Kelch,” Newsday, March 3, 1984, p. 11; “Property
Redemption Bill Approved,” by Rick Brand,” Newsday,
September 24, 1986, p. 21;
[xvi] “LI neighbors in harm’s way,” by John
Valenti and Olivia Winslow, Newsday,
December 13, 2011, p. A4; Playground dedicated to fallen NYPD Det. Peter
Figoski,” by Craig Schneider, Newsday,
July 27, 2019, www.newsday.com.
[xvii] “Warm Spring Brings Early Swim Season,” Newsday, May 25, 1962, p. 32; “News
Briefs – Babylon,” Newsday, July 3,
1962, p. 17C.
[xviii] “Murder of a Cop – City officer from LI
shot dead in battle with robber,” by Michele Salcedo, Newsday, May 20, 1997, p. 3; “Park Renamed to Honor Slain City
Cop,” Newsday, Niraj Warikoo, Newsday, June 26, 1997, p. A29.
[xix] “Venetian Shores Is A Beautiful
Development,” The Chat, May 22, 1926,
p. 58; Advertisement, “Make Your Reservation Now! Venetian Shores, The Brooklyn Standard Union, June 3,
1926, p. 2.
[xx] “Lier Killed in Vietnam,” Newsday, February 29, 1968, p. 27; “A
Tribute To A Friend – Kevin E. VerPault,” Newsday,
February 19, 1988, p. 30.
[xxi] “People – Gadfly town park,” Newsday, May 5, 1971, p. 7; “Name Town
Park for Civic Leader,” Daily News,
September 20, 1971, p. 29;“Quiet End to an Outspoken Life – Hermann Griem, 81,
was town’s foremost civic activist for 4 decades,” Newsday, September 10, 1989, p. SBA 1, 3.