1 Aerial Way
Syosset, NY 11791

P: (516) 938-0600
F: (516) 931-6344

Park Amphitheater

Park Amphitheater

Foot Bridge

Park Aerial

Park Aerial

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Park Amphitheater

This project has attracted attention from around the region and engendered a loyal following among local residents. 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, landscape architecture, construction administration, and surveying 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:

• capping the uppermost 8 acres of the 45-acre site and allowing the existing steep vegetated slopes and adjacent stream to remain in their natural state;
• minimizing disturbance of slopes, thus avoiding excavation of waste and sediment damage to the adjacent stream and wetlands;
• 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;
• 2-acre restored tidal wetland;
• 18 exercise stations;
• two rainwater ponds aerated by a windmill;
• 500-foot Cumaru fishing pier;
• amphitheater for educational presentations;
• plantings of indigenous species;
• kayak-launching ramp;
• informational signs explaining site ecology;
• recycled materials used for paving and construction; and
• composting toilets.