The long-awaited opening of Petrus Park was realized on a beautiful 80 degree Saturday, teasing residents of the summer to come. Residents, members from Hands of Change, Cashin Associates and Woodstock Construction, along with a bevy of local government officials including Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth, Assemblyman Anthony D’Urso, Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos, Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, Village of Baxter Estates Mayor Nora Haagenson, Councilmembers Anna Kaplan, Lee Seeman, Viviana Russell, Angelo Ferraro and Town Clerk Wayne Wink, were there when Alvan Petrus Park was officially opened with a ceremonial ribbon cutting on April 29.
The park had been fenced off for more than four years. With the help of the Town of North Hempstead, the beloved park’s revitalization plan began in 2015. A contract for engineering services was awarded to Cashin Associates of Hauppauge to draw up plans for the renovation and oversee the bidding and construction.
The town made sure that the park retained some natural space on the property and was compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), which meant the appropriate entrances were provided. The 1.5-acre park features basketball courts, picnic benches, playgrounds, a handball court and a walking path.
“We basically are using the whole space now,” said Councilwoman Dina De Giorgio, who was integral in making the park what it is today. “The handball and basketball courts are more toward the front and there’s a big, green space in the middle. There are two shade structures, barbeques and benches. We put in four or five beautiful old trees that were nicely trimmed. There’s a permeable paver walking trail around the entire park. There’s a beautiful playground in the back and there’s just a lot of open space.”
DJ Kev Dee kept the music going throughout the day.
“I’m thrilled the park is open,” said De Giorgio. “It’s an absolutely beautiful park. It’s like an oasis. I think it will be used by the entire community for years to come and I think it is testament to communities coming together for a common goal.”
Those who attended enjoyed a barbecue, music and plenty of basketball.
—Additional reporting by Christina Claus
