Dan's Papers - March 14, 2008 - Downtown Park To Transform Hampton Bays

Imagine a warm spring day, the sun shining brightly, an ocean breeze blowing and Main Street crowded with people walking their dogs, riding bikes, grabbing a sandwich or strolling through the shops. Sounds like Sag Harbor. But in the near future it could be Hampton Bays.

A plan is in the works for a new park in the hamlet called Good Ground (Hampton Bays' name prior to 1922). The park's close proximity to town will give it the potential of changing the face of Hampton Bays. Behind Montauk Highway, eight of the 30 acres of woodland area purchased in 2003 with $3.8 million in Community Preservation Fund monies may become a refuge with hiking and nature trails that are just minutes from Dunkirk's Deli or JT's Place restaurant. Tim Rumph of Araiys Design said, "Its proximity to the business district of Hampton Bays is unique in the Town of Southampton. The park will be easily accessible to residents, business patrons and employees within the business district."

Some locals have concerns that the park development may disrupt the animals that live in the large woodland area. "It depends how much they will actually tear down," said a Gator's employee, who wished to remain anonymous. "It will be nice for the town, it certainly wouldn't hurt Hampton Bays, but we have to remember the animals."

The park may not disrupt the wildlife, because the plan is to have a woodland park with trails rather than a wide-open space that would require clearing. "The park concept as a 'woodland park' is dictated by the site itself," explained Rumph. "Its natural features of rolling topography and woodland lend themselves to passive use for trails and a scenic area."

Main Street in Hampton Bays is not very pedestrian friendly. Cars zoom by on Montauk Highway, crosswalks aren't clearly painted - it's not a walking town. Good Ground Park may change that. "The town, in its master plan for the Hamlet, depicts the inclusion of a road or Main Street running from Squiretown Road parallel to Montauk Highway along the northerly boundary of the properties that front on the highway and eventually tying back into it before the Methodist Church," explained Rumph. "This would be the vehicular access for the site along with the pedestrian access from the business district utilizing the existing vest pocket park adjacent to JT's Restaurant."

Darlene Downie, owner of Orlando's Café in Hampton Bays, thinks the new road would be good for the small businesses in town. "There is not a crosswalk here - people just fly by. There is nothing that makes it comfortable for people to walk around," she said. "If we can't make Montauk Highway more convenient for walkers, maybe we can do something in the back. We already have the town, we may as well try and make it better."

The large park will have several entrances and may also include the addition of a new parking lot, which will not only serve the park, but the local businesses as well. "It's good that there will be a car park, because people are always complaining that there's nowhere to park so they just drive through town," said Joan Kelly, employee of the Irish Cottage on Montauk Highway in Hampton Bays. "A lot of small businesses in town could use some foot traffic."

Since the Town Board has just reviewed the Concept Plan for the park, it doesn't currently have an estimated construction cost. Since CPF funds will not be used to pay for the construction, the town will have to either issue a bond or find grant funds to finance it.

Most business owners in town feel that Hampton Bays is up for the change and the community will benefit from Good Ground Park, as long as land is being preserved and the building process is conscious of the wildlife. "A pond is planned for the low area of the site along with a manicured lawn area adjacent to the pond for more intimate use for the community," said Rumph. "This will allow for a Village green to be developed over time, adding to a real sense of place for Hampton Bays."

With the various features, the park will surely be a year-round attraction, as Good Ground will be a park for everyone in this community, where all residents share a love of the outdoors. "I think the local people will love it. In February everyone goes to the beach to walk dogs and be outside, but it gets cold," said Alyssa, owner of Alyssa's Back Alley Creations in Hampton Bays. "This will give everyone a spot to stroll without the wind at the beach."