Hobart Beach Gets New $187K Playground

A new $187,000 playground was recently installed at Hobart Beach in Eaton's Neck to replace the one that was damaged by Superstorm Sandy.

The playground was funded through the Town of Huntington’s Parks Improvement fund and it includes several new features that were not part of the 20-year-old playground it replaced.

Members of the community and public officials attended the playground's opening ceremony Friday. Adults and children were at the ceremony waiting patiently to use the new equipment.

“This was a long time coming,” Town Supervisor Frank P. Petrone said in a press release, “Thank you for your support and cooperation in making this happen, and most important, for your patience. May you use it well, may you enjoy it, and most important, may you be safe.”

The new maritime-themed playground features:

• A handicapped walk-around the playset
• At-grade ramps to accommodate children with disabilities
• An engineered rubberized surface at the end of the slides
• Park benches for parents’ sitting pleasure
• Aesthetic cement walkway curves

These changes comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act to encourage children to engage with each other through all types of various activities.

At the ceremony were: Town Maritime Services Director Edward Carr, Parks and Recreation Director Don McKay and Alex McKay, vice chair of the Town’s Environmental Open Space and Parks Improvement Committee.

Image via Town of Huntington: (l-r) (adults only) Maritime Services Director Edward Carr; Alex McKay, vice chair EOSPA Committee; Supervisor Frank P. Petrone; Parks and Recreation Director Don McKay.