"Hey, let’s go skating at Hartman’s Pond," or "Take the shortcut through Hartman’s pond," are phrases that belonged to a generation of Amityville children now grown. For today’s children, Hartman’s Pond is part of a larger playground, Peterkin Park, deeded and dedicated to yet another generation of Amityville children through the generosity of an Amityville resident now gone.

Peterkin Park came under the ownership of the Village of Amityville through a bequest from the late Walter G. Peterkin who lived at l40 Oak Street. He died on Aug. 27, l948 and bequeathed to his home village a part of his estate for "park and playground purposes."

On June 3, 1951 Mayor Nelson S. Osborn read a letter at the board meeting outlining Mr. Peterkin’s contribution, which amounted to approximately $37,000. In November 1951, a check for $36,992.99 was received by Pierson R. Hildreth, village attorney.

Mayor Osborn stated that village organizations would be consulted regarding the use of the money. That led to a flurry of proposals.

The executive board of the Amityville Woman’s Club proposed the purchase of property near the new Memorial High School; members of the Amityville Chamber of Commerce favored the use of the money for improving and extending the facilities at the municipal beach.

Mayor Osborn advocated the purchase of a number of locations spotted around the village which would serve residents closer to their homes.

The Police Department, through its Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, favored the purchase of the property adjacent to the municipal beach. Members of the Amityville Junior League backed Mayor Osborn’s plan for small separate parks and the American Legion Post 1015 favored the beach proposition.

The purchase of the area between Oak Street and the Long Island Railroad, known as Hartman’s Pond was also advocated and supported by the Amityville Planning Board. Owned by Mrs. Helen Hurst Price and Mrs. Belle Kohen, the area was approximately 200-feet by 200-feet. Proponents of the Oak Street property pointed out that this spot was on the street where Mr. Peterkin had made his home. Mr. Joseph Quinby, who had known Mr. Peterkin for many years, said he believed the Oak Street land would be the spot the benefactor would have favored.

So, in March, 1953, the advocates of the Hartman Pond section won, and the pond area, of about four acres, was purchased by the village for $11,000. The total cost, including legal fees came to $12,561.36.