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| Current state of Townsend Park |
Oyster Bay, NY – In cooperation with the Town of Oyster
Bay and local merchant Main Street Nursery, the Oyster Bay Main Street
Association is pleased to announce the renovation of the public park in between
the historic Oyster Bay Post Office and the historic Oyster Bay Town Hall known
as Townsend Park.
Originally designated a public park in 1906, when the
Townsend Family subdivided their lot and created Audrey Avenue, the area was
largely used as a public gathering space and in 1909 a bandstand was erected on
the site to suit this purpose. After the
original bandstand was torn down in the 1930s, the park was given fresh life
when a replica bandstand was created and dedicated in 1981.
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| Original Bandstand and Layout of Townsend Park circa 1910 Postcard courtesy of the Oyster Bay Historical Society |
In the ensuing 35 years, several piece-meal renovations have
been completed in the area. While
originally no trees adorned the public park, over time three Honey Locust trees
were added to the west side; approximately 20 years ago, a Christmas tree,
originally intended to be temporary, was added to the east side; and most
recently, within the last five years, two Purple Leaf Plums were also added to
the east side in an attempt to even out the lot. These mismatched and overgrown trees have
severely limited the visibility of the bandstand and the usable space within
the public green.
The plans, provided by Main Street Nursery and sponsored
by the Oyster Bay Main Street Association, seek to create a uniform and
attractive design for an area that has great potential to be the focal point of
the downtown once again! Based off of
the assessment of certified arborist, Jason LaMay, the existing trees were
recommended for removal to be replaced with six Zelkova Green Vase trees more
suited for the area and properly spaced on the property to improve sight lines. Plans also include improved lighting, the
placement of benches, improved landscaping and repair of the brick walkway in
the area. In total, a substantial
improvement to a small but important area, resulting in another great asset to
the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Community!
With support from the Town of Oyster Bay and other local
organizations – including Friends of the Bay, the OB-EN Chamber of Commerce, Oyster
Bay Civic Association, Oyster Bay Historical Society, Oyster Bay Railroad
Museum, Oyster Bay Rotary Club, OB-EN Youth Athletic Association, Raynham Hall
Museum, Sagamore Hill NHS and the East Norwich Civic Association - we are excited to move
forward with this renovation and have it complete for the whole community to
enjoy during the Old Fashioned Holiday Market and Christmas Tree lighting on
Saturday, December 12, 2015!
