A celebration of the opening of the waterfront at Tanner Park July 4 was indeed, a "grand" opening. The day featured a variety of festivities, including music by Al Jardine and his Endless Summer Band in the new bandshell. Jardine is the legendary founder and member of the Beach Boys, an appropriate musi­cian in an appropriate setting. Hundreds came out to spend the day at the park and enjoyed not only the music but also the great food from the Beach Hut, which also opened that day. The restaurant is designed like a 1950s diner, adding to the ambiance of the entire new Tanner Park.

Of course, seniors know Tanner Park well as the location of their busy senior center there. But the new additions really open up this beautiful waterfront area to everyone.

We have to give credit to Babylon Town Super­visor Steve Bellone and New York State lawmakers Owen Johnson and Bob Sweeney who have brought together taxpayers' money for not only this project but also other waterfront revitalization projects in­cluding

Lindenhurst's Venetian Beach, which has also been lovingly restored.

People complain a lot about taxes, and to some ex­tent rightfully so. However, when you see a project such as Tanner Park, you get a real sense that at least here at the local level your officials are making good use of public money. Bellone has a unique vision and an appreciation of Babylon's tremendous natural re­sources, and has made the best of them during his tenure. He showed that once again in grand style at Tanner Park. So, if you have not been down to one of the newly restored waterfront areas in Babylon, don't allow the summer to go by without keeping that date. You won't regret it.