Lake Grove, NY — The Village of Lake Grove proudly announces the ribbon-cutting celebration for its newly completed all-accessible playground and family park located at 7 Moriches Road in the Village of Lake Grove.
The transformative project was made possible through a combination of a $500,000 Suffolk County JumpSMART Grant a $40,000 Suffolk County Downtown Revitalization Grant, turning a long-abandoned and deteriorated “zombie” property into a vibrant community destination for children and families of all abilities.
The property, formerly a bank-owned foreclosed home that sat vacant for years, had become a public safety concern and the site of an overdose death. Through strategic investment and community vision, the Village acquired and demolished the unsafe structure, reclaiming the property for public use and neighborhood revitalization.
Today, the site stands as a welcoming and inclusive park featuring:
- A fully accessible playground designed for children of all abilities
- Safe and modern recreational amenities for families
- Decorative lighting and landscaped gathering areas
- Comfortable seating throughout the park
- A community gazebo
“This project represents a major investment in the health, safety, and quality of life of our residents,” said Mayor Scottaline. “What was once a symbol of neglect and tragedy has been transformed into a place of joy, inclusion, and community pride.”
Village officials also expressed gratitude to Suffolk County Government for its continued support through the JumpSMART and Downtown Revitalization grant programs, which help communities reclaim blighted properties and create meaningful public spaces.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine noted, “This project is exactly what the JumpSMART program was created to accomplish — transforming dangerous, abandoned properties into safe and productive community assets. What was once a blighted and unsafe site has become a beautiful, inclusive space where families can gather and children of all abilities can play together. Suffolk County is proud to partner with the Village of Lake Grove to make projects like this possible.”
“This new playground and park represent hope, renewal, and investment in our families,” said Suffolk County Legislator Leslie Kennedy. “For years, this property negatively impacted the surrounding neighborhood and posed serious safety concerns. Today, it stands as a welcoming community space that residents can enjoy for generations. I am proud to have supported this important revitalization effort and grateful to everyone who helped bring this vision to life.”
“This all-accessible playground is an incredible transformation for the community. A property that was once neglected and a source of public safety concerns has been reimagined into a safe, welcoming space where children and families can gather and enjoy time together. This project is a great example of how investment and community partnership can create something truly positive for residents,” stated NYS Senator Dean Murray, 3rd Senate District.
“Every child deserves a safe and inclusive place to play, and this new park is a tremendous addition for families in the Village of Lake Grove. I commend Mayor Scottaline, the Village Board, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, the Suffolk County Legislature, and all those who helped turn a vacant and troubled property into a beautiful community space. This project is exactly the kind of investment that improves quality of life, strengthens neighborhoods, and gives children of all abilities a place to enjoy for years to come, “ said NYS Assemblyman Douglas M. Smith.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will celebrate not only the opening of a new playground but also the successful revitalization of a troubled property into a safe, family-friendly destination that will serve residents for generations to come.
