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September 12, 2007
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They're all wet at new spray park at Tanner
New $1M facility revitalizes waterfront in Copiague
BY TRACY BONGIANNI AND CHANNELLE CAMPBELL

In top photo, Babylon Town Supervisor Steve Bellone enjoys a trip into the Tree House spray park at Tanner Park. Above, officials help cut ribbon officially opening the new facility in Copiague. PHOTOS BY CLIFF DE BEAR
It was five years in the making, but this year, the Town of Babylon officially opened the new spray park and pavilion at Tanner Park in Copiague. The park is designed in a tree house theme, and the Town also completed a new fishing pier and boardwalk.

"We sometimes have opportunities to do projects that have ripple effects beyond the project itself," said Babylon Town Supervisor Steve Bellone. "All our waterfront revitalization projects will improve the quality of life for our residents, provide great recreational opportunities for kids, adults, and seniors and improve our economy and property values."

But all of that was a long way off the minds of those who enjoyed the million- dollar park that has perked up a Town facility that has long been in need of revitalization.

"The kids are having a great time," said Tysean Thomas, a camp counselor with The Touch of Class Camp based in Amityville, who brought youngsters there one hot day.

The Town completed a similar facility at Venetian Shores in Lindenhurst last year. It had considered doing Tanner Park first, but decided to put it off until this year since it was a larger project than the one in Lindenhurst, said the Supervisor.

Scott Snowden, a Town beach employee, said the park has been crowded almost every day. He recalled being a camper at Tanner Park many years ago. "I am glad to be working here now," he said. "It is beautiful."

The only thing missing is the food court. Town officials said they have received several bids from different vendors and that the food concession should be up and running in the Spring of 2008 in the newly built beach hut.

The Town of Babylon has worked closely with the Long Island Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council in an effort to build not only an attractive and fun environment but also one that was environmentally responsible. The work at Tanner Park was constructed using on-site renewable energy, green cleaning techniques and, environmentally-friendly materials. The cost of this project was $970,522, which was paid for by issuing Town bonds. Bellone said it was an investment with many benefits.

"A project like this encourages residents to stay here, others to move here and one that will continue to give us benefits long after the bonds are paid off," he said. "That is the criteria I use when asking myself if a project is worth it."
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