New Walkway Connecting Nesconset Gazebo To Toner Park Completed

NESCONSET, NY — A new custom-made walkway connecting the Nesconset Gazebo to the local library and Charles P. Toner Park was completed Nov. 10, the Town of Smithtown announced in a news release. Smithtown officials joined the Nesconset Chamber of Commerce in celebrating the project.

The walkway, built into a hill, improves access to the Gazebo which is home to many community concerts and events.

"It’s hard not to get nostalgic being here at a park named after a mentor of mine, Charles 'Buster' Toner," Supervisor Edward Wehrheim said via release. "This property, formerly a state armory, is now home to a library, a venue for concerts, a park with many features like the track, sports fields, trails, dog runs, playground and water park… and now it’s all connected."

Wehrheim thanked Joe Arico and his "extremely talented team" at the Parks Department.

"Together as a team, this town board remains committed to constantly improving these amenities and look forward to adding new ones for the residents to enjoy," Wehrheim said.

Stone masonry work was custom-designed and constructed by the Smithtown Department of Parks and Grounds, led by Arico. Recently completed renovations at Charles P. Toner Park include brand new LED lighting and new surfacing at the playground and spray park.

"We have our concert series in the park every summer here," said Frank Scagluso of the Nesconset Chamber of Commerce. "And we’ve watched the patrons struggle to get up and down this hill for years to make use of the facilities and grounds. When I look at this beautiful stonework and design, it’s not just some linear staircase… it’s designed so that it’s not intrusive to walk on. We’ve mentioned the many projects that the town has completed here in Nesconset earlier and we believe this is just the latest in improvements that are proving to be advantageous for the hamlet and its residents."