Emma Elliston Memorial Park:
This property is located along the north shore of Big Fresh Pond. In the Fall of 2021 the Parks Department began working on design plans to remove the existing timber walls and staircases and replace with new masonry block retaining walls and concrete stairs. The existing walls and stairs had deteriorated and needed to be redone in order to maintain a safe and attractive recreation destination.
In addition to replacing the walls and staircases the Parks Department also applied to the Community Preservation Fund for Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) grant funding and to Suffolk County for a Community Development Block Grant. The proposed improvements include the implementation of rain gardens to capture non-point source pollution and achieve shoreline stabilization as well as an ADA access path and viewing area.
TIME-LINE:
Fall 2023 – Rain Gardens will be planted with native plants
June 2023 – Shore access is expected to be restored by June 16th. Construction of the retaining walls, ADA viewing area, ADA access path, ADA parking area, rain garden basins, and rock erratic placements is expected to be completed by the end of the month.
May 2023 – Construction of the new stairs and walls began on May 15th. Stairs and wall footings will be complete by the end of the month.
