Hampton Bays Good Ground Park Project Named Regional Priority

The Town of Southampton’s Good Ground Park Gateway Project has been named a regional priority by the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council as noted in the recently released progress report of its five-year strategic plan, “Promises Made, Promises Kept: A Continuing Story of Progress.”

The report outlines the region’s strong performance record in implementing its strategies and projects since the first round of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative in 2011. In the first four rounds, $326 million in state funding has supported 347 projects designed to rebuild, revitalize and regenerate Long Island.

The Council, in looking to the next phase of its work and round five funding, has identified the Town of Southampton’s Good Ground Park Gateway project as a priority under its “Investments in the Path through History, Arts and Tourism” initiative.
“The Good Ground Park project is central to the downtown revitalization efforts that we are spearheading in Hampton Bays,” said Southampton Town Supervisor Anna Throne-Holst. “We are thrilled that the Council has designated our project as one of its priorities, and very grateful for the support of Senator Ken LaValle and Assemblyman Fred Thiele who have been working to secure additional funding for this transformational project.”

Designed to attract visitors to enjoy the rich history and many historical and cultural activities that make Long Island unique, the Regional Economic Development Council’s initiative has sparked revitalization in many areas throughout Long Island. The Good Ground Park Gateway project, which will receive funding in the amount of $73,000, will establish a pedestrian and bicycle friendly park entrance and trailhead to link Good Ground Park with the business district center of Montauk Highway in Hampton Bays.

“The Gateway project is an integral part of the larger design and creation of Good Ground Park”, said Frank Zappone, the Southampton Town deputy supervisor. “This inviting entranceway will welcome visitors to the Park which will include an amphitheater, playground, picnic areas, and walking and biking trails.”

A copy of the complete Long Island Regional Council’s progress report can be found at regionalcouncils.ny.gov/content/long-island.