Grant Awarded for Good Ground Park Planning

The Town of Southampton has announced that it has been awarded a $128,519 grant that will be used for the planning and design of the 36-acre Good Ground Park in Hampton Bays, which sits on Montauk Highway.

According to the town, the grant comes from the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council and was applied for by the town in August.

When applying, the town submitted 200 community signatures and 45 letters of support that were garnered with the help of the Hampton Bays Civic Association and local businesses owners, who posted about the project in their shop windows.

“This is terrific news. The community has long discussed the revitalization potential of a park in downtown Hampton Bays, and with this grant we are able to take meaningful steps towards achieving that goal,” said Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst.

The town, which purchased the property for $3.8 million in 2003, has already started working on concepts for the park, which were generated after a May meeting with the community. Ideas include an amphitheatre, playground, picnic tables and a pavilion.

Residents have also voiced support for a dog park and ice skating rink at the park, which already boasts a $123,000, 700-foot walking trail that was built by the Hampton Bays Beautification Association.

With the grant in hand, the town said it will look to put out a request for proposals for a design firm to draft complete design and construction documents for the proposed park improvements.