The Town of Islip Parks Foundation broke ground on its first-ever Serenity Gardens, a much-anticipated inclusive “park within a park” that will cater to people with visual and hearing impairments; Alzheimer’s, or dementia, those on the autism spectrum; seniors; veterans, and all who enjoy the beauty of nature and the outdoors.

Once complete, Serenity Gardens will feature lush foliage and greenery to promote tranquility; fragrant plants and flowers; a garden with a braille system; a walking labyrinth made of stones; sensory walking paths with mulch, tactile pads, rubber and gravel; wind chimes, as well as a sensory wall.

An airport is more than just a gateway for the region, it’s the first and last impression a traveler has of a destination. These improvements will address issues that have needed attention for 60 years.

In addition to taking out the old systems and equipment, these projects also enable the airport to refresh and modernize the appearance of the terminal facilities.These projects combine with previous work over the past seven years, for a total of $100 million in capital improvements, ensuring the integrity of the airport’s infrastructure. This work includes significant airfield updates, along with the new Fire House, the Ground Transportation Center, and work to the terminal. As most of these funds are provided by federal and state governments, including $1,650,000 from Empire State Development, the airport was able to complete them while remaining financially self-sufficient.

Ross Memorial Park, once the site of homelessness, illegal drug activity and a clash with police, had been shuttered by Town officials in September 2020 after members of the Suffolk County Police Department determined that the park had been a “hot spot” for illegal activity and loitering.

In autumn, Supervisor Carpenter and Assemblyman Ramos delivered on their promise from three years ago, by opening the gates to the state-of-the-art park and celebrating with community members. Park features include a new parking lot providing families convenient access to the park; a new playground structure and swings with a safety play surface; new fencing around the perimeter of the park; a new pavilion; walking paths, and new lighting structures.

Moody’s Analytics, Inc. again reaffirmed the Town’s outstanding financial Aaa status with a stable outlook for the 8th consecutive time. “The stable outlook reflects the expectation of continued strong operations given prudent management and continued growth and diversification in the local economy.”

New this year, the Town of Islip received a rating of MIG 1. By Moody’s definition, the MIG 1/VMIG 1 designation denotes best quality. “There is present strong protection by established cash flows, superior liquidity support or demonstrated broad-based access to the market for refinancing,” noted the rating agency.

Today Show host Harry Smith toured the Shellfish Cultivation Facility in East Islip back in July. The segment shined a spotlight on the Town’s aquaculture program, the incredible environmental benefits, a behind-the-scenes-look at the careful growth of larvae into various sizes of oyster and clam seed to meet the individual needs of shellfish farmers, and a glimpse at one local Blue Point oyster farmer’s work on the bay.

The Town of Islip Shellfish Cultivation Facility operates year-round, working alongside local farmers to combat diminished shellfish caused by hurricanes, pollution and overharvesting. Oysters are known as “ecosystem engineers.” Just one adult oyster can filter from 35-50 gallons of water per day.

The project is part of the Town of Islip's award winning Central Islip Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), which was awarded a $10 million grant by New York State to fund revitalization projects in the community in 2018.

Despite its proximity to the Central Islip train station, mixed-use and transit-oriented development opportunities in Downtown Central Islip have been limited by the lack of sewer infrastructure. Providing access to the sewer system is a critically important part of transforming this downtown corridor into a mixed-use district. The $12 million sewer project will connect 64 parcels in Central Islip’s central business district along Carleton Avenue, between Suffolk Avenue and Smith Street. Funding for the project includes State, and Federal grants, and construction is expected to take 18 months.

“When I took office in 2015, we made it one of our foremost priorities to rehabilitate and rededicate this park to the residents of Brentwood, and all Town of Islip residents, and in doing so, met with members of the skating community to discuss and collaborate on the creation and design of a much-desired skateboard park. We have kept that promise, and have delivered even more,” said Supervisor Carpenter.

The plaza-style skateboard park, in the 8,000 – 12,000 sq. ft. category, includes rails, ramps, steps and quarter-pipes, and was designed by Nelson + Pope and SITE Design Group Inc., the California firm responsible for legendary Tony Hawk’s own backyard skateboard area.

Work is currently underway to renovate the Byron Lake Park pool, concession area, septic system, as well as improve accessibility and surrounding beautification. Byron Lake itself is also being rehabilitated.

We are thrilled and excited to be moving forward with this long overdue Park project to renovate, rehabilitate, modernize and ultimately improve Byron Lake Park. This will be an attraction and asset for all Town of Islip residents to enjoy for many years to come.