Townsend Park Renovation is Underway in Oyster Bay!

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.

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!