On January 17, Father Tortora Park, located at 55 Central Ave in Patchogue, will be closed for demolition go right here. Dennis Smith, Patchogue’s Special Projects coordinator expects the park to re-open June after renovations are complete.
The park was first created in the late 1950’s in honor of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church’s Father Cyrus Tortora. Father Tortora had been a priest at that church in the 40’s and the 50’s, and is known for starting a beach on Patchogue Lake for the church’s use. After his passing the park was created in his honor.
The park’s equipment and rubber flooring have not been updated in almost 30 years.
The park currently offers a full basketball court, half a basketball court, swings, slides and other various playground-style equipment. The park cover’s a total of 1/8th of a mile and it’s paths are lined with benches and tree’s.
During the renovations both Basketball and bocci ball courts will stay open, but will have a later date for repairs.
Concept for Father Tortora Park in Patchogue
The renovations include:
- A asphalt Walking Track around the parks inner perimeter, with painted lanes
- New Play apparatus’, including a large, multi-activity play piece thats similar to the one at the Shorefront Park
- A sun / shade area with picnic tables, and benches
- A gated toddler area
- Mommy & Me Swings
- Four pieces of adult exercise equipment
- A New hydration station
- Any existing playground equipment will be replaced with brand new equipment.
- Any fence fabric will be replaced
- A new walkway throughout the park
- New bike racks located at each entrance
- Vegetation