Dan's Papers - March 14, 2008

The Big Duck has been nesting at its original location on Route 24 in Flanders since last October, when it was moved back there from down the road in Hampton Bays. But the Duck's current digs - a visibly neglected tract of land occupied by several rundown structures - is an eyesore to passing motorists. It seems that the Big Duck, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, deserves a spruced up nesting place, and the community agrees.

After years of discussion, plans for the Big Duck Park were presented to the Southampton Town Board on February 29 by Tim Rumph of Araiys Design, Richard Martin of the Big Duck Advisory Committee and Jefferson Murphree of Southampton Town Planning and Development. The proposed 37-acre park is envisioned to one day be the focal point of Flanders. Rumph said the project could be completed in five to seven years, costing the Town an estimated $5 to $7 million.

Plans for the Big Duck Park include the planting of community gardens, rest rooms, a visitor's center and waterfront access to Reeves Bay for canoeing and kayaking. Rumph expressed interest in creating a learning center and outdoor classrooms to provide education on Flanders' culture and history, focusing on the significance of duck farming in the area. Also discussed was creating a venue on the site where community events, such as concerts and carnivals, could be held. The rundown structures that presently share the Big Duck's location on Route 24 once belonged to Martin Maurer, the duck farmer who built the Big Duck in 1931. Plans also include the restoration of what can be salvaged of these buildings, but many of them are in serious disrepair and could pose safety risks.

The Town and community are determined to follow through with plans for the Big Duck Park, but several roadblocks still stand in their way. The site where the Big Duck now sits has been declared by the State as one of archaeological significance, meaning that before the Town of Southampton can clear the area or begin construction, archeological studies in the area must be performed, as artifacts might be found there. Also, although the Town owns the land, the County owns the actual duck structure, which could create even more red tape. According to Southampton Town Supervisor Linda Kabot, the State's Department of Environmental Conservation ultimately has the authority to allow the development because of the wetlands in the area. Kabot stressed that the Town must follow procedure and that the vision for the Big Duck Park is long-term.

Last year, conceptual plans for Iron Point Park and Wildwood Lake Park, both purchased by the Town through Community Preservation Fund monies and in close proximity to the Big Duck, were also introduced. Residents feel the Big Duck Park would enhance Flanders' community identity, celebrating the diversity and uniqueness of the area.

"It's a shame to have one of America's National Landmarks currently displayed in such disarray," said Carl Iacone, President of Bay View Pines Civic Association. "I would be so pleased to see the community insist that this is corrected as soon as possible. This is Flanders as well as Long Island's foremost structure. Let's display it proudly."