Town breaks ground on Petrus Park in Port

Sarah Minkewicz

After a five-year campaign to rebuild Alvan O. Petrus Park, construction began  Tuesday on the $1.3 million project. 

North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth, Councilwoman Dina De Giorgio, elected officials, community leaders and local residents joined  for a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Alvan Petrus Park in Port Washington. 

The 50-year-old, 1.8-acre park is located on land once owned by Harbor Homes LP, but through the years it had become ill-maintained, overgrown and unusable as a recreational facility, officials said.  

Bosworth said she pledged to refurbish and improve the park when she took office in 2014. 

“Our goal from the beginning was to transform Alvan Petrus Park into a recreational space that can be enjoyed by residents of all ages for many years to come,” Bosworth said. “It is an exciting day for the town and for the residents of this community as we take the first step towards transforming this park into a showcase facility.”

In 2015, the land’s ownership was transferred to the town and it was dedicated as public park land.

“I have been advocating for restoring Petrus Park since 2011, before I was even elected councilwoman,” De Giorgio said. “This is a true victory for the community. If not for their tireless efforts, this project would never have succeeded, and I am reminded of my favorite quote by Margaret Mead, ‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.’”

The new park was designed by the engineering firm Cashin Associates PC, and construction will be done by Woodstock Construction Group of Bayville. 

The Town Board approved the contract with Woodstock Construction at the April 19 board meeting, for $1,289,800. 

Officials said the project should be completed in December. The park will feature a basketball court, picnic benches, playground, a walking path and handball court, placed up against a hillside to make maximum use of space. 

The town worked closely with community leaders, members of the Hands of Change group and local Harbor Homes residents to incorporate their views into the design, officials said. 

Alvan Petrus Park was named after Alvan Petrus, who died in 1985. He was director of Littig House Community Center and an active member of the Port Washington community.

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