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Syosset, NY 11791

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LKB Receives NYSSPE's Highest Award: 2002 Outstanding Engineering Achievement Award for Merrick Landfill/Norman J. Levy Park & Preserve

At a ceremony on June 14, 2002, in Binghamton, the New York State Society of Professional Engineers honored LKB's work on the Merrick Landfill/Norman J. Levy Park & Preserve conversion (the first of its kind in the northeast) with the 2002 Outstanding Engineering Achievement Award, "in recognition of engineering excellence."

This project has attracted attention from around the region and has engendered a loyal following among local residents. In a word, public response to this innovative re-use of a former landfill has been nothing short of overwhelming, averaging over 6,000 visitors per month. The Town of Hempstead has responded by instituting a regular jitney service, manned by park rangers, to ferry residents from one scenic vantage point to another. The unique windmill-powered pond system atop the plateau has become an instant icon, and the world-class fishing pier—unique in scale and workmanship—is a central attraction for convenience and scenic setting.

LKB applied its seamless interdisciplinary expertise in civil/environmental engineering, hydrogeology, ecology, surveying, landscape architecture, and construction administration to develop an innovative design which transformed a potential eyesore into a community treasure and saved the Town of Hempstead more than $42M over conventional landfill closure techniques while still satisfying all NYSDEC regulations.

Project features include:

• three miles of hiking trails (many of which are handicapped-accessible) with beautiful panoramic views from Jones Beach Theater to the Manhattan skyline as well as the surrounding bays and intertidal wetlands;
• 18 exercise stations;
• two rainwater ponds aerated by a windmill;
• a 500-foot Cumaru fishing pier;
• an amphitheater for educational presentations;
• plantings of indigenous species;
• a 2-acre restored tidal wetland;
• a kayak-launching ramp;
• informational signs explaining site ecology;
• recycled materials used for paving and construction; and
• composting toilets.

Contact: For more information regarding this project, please contact Paul Lappano, P.E., at (516) 938-0600 x 239.

More Information: Waste Age Magazine's 2001 Feature Article on the Norman J. Levy Park & Preserve

Hours & Directions: Town of Hempstead Online

LKB Project Team:

Ralph Cuomo, P.E., D.E.E. Principal in Charge Matthew G. DeLange Ecologist Katia Duque, P.E. Structural Engineer Steven Fuhrman, R.L.A. Landscape Architect John Gerlach Hydrogeologist Edward Grass Resident Engineer William Greenfield Electrical Engineer George Gross, P.E. Senior Electrical Engineer

Theresa C. Heneveld, P.E. Environmental Engineer Glen Hoyvik, P.E. Cost Estimating Paul Lappano, P.E. Project Manager Bart A. Marino, P.E. Civil Engineer Richard J. Malec, P.E. Traffic Engineer Nicholas Mattessich, R.L.A. Landscape Architect Robert Ruenes Assistant Resident Engineer Marian Wypyski, P.E. Drainage Engineer

Opening Day: (from left to right) Ralph Cuomo, P.E. (Principal in Charge),
Edward Grass (Resident Engineer), Andre Haddad, P.E. (President & CEO),
Robert Ruenes (Assistant Resident Engineer), and Paul Lappano, P.E.
(Project Manager).