HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks & Beaches Plan 1983COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR THE PRESERVATION, PURCHASE,
DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF THE PARKS AND BEACHES OF
SOUTHOLD TOWN
I. PURPOSE OF REPORT
H. HISTORY OF PRESENTLY OWNED SITES
HI. INVENTORY AND ANALYSIS
A) Inventory
Site Description
Environmental Features
Present Uses
B) Analysis
Environmental Analysis
Recreational Analysis
IV. COMPREHENSIVE PLAN A) Vision of Properties
B) Goals and Strategies
C) Program Management Plan
D) Ecological Management Plan
E) Environmental Management Plan
F) Active Rec?eational Programs
G) Budget
V. REFERENCES
Location Maps
RPPW
Raymond, Parish, Pine & Weiner, Inc. 555 White Plains Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591 914/631-9003 2121365-2666
Memorandum
March 23, 1983
TO:
FROM:
RE:
Southold Planning Board
RPPW, Inc.
PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES AND OPEN SPACE AREAS
IN THE TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
The Town of Southold has been fortunate in its coastal location
which has been able to supply recreational opportunities for
residents. The waters and beaches of Long Island Sound and
Peconic and Gardiners Bays taken with the multitude of creeks
that enter the bay on the south shore of the Town have provided
some of the bounties of nature's assets. Opportunities to swim,
to launch a boat, to fish for finfish and gather shellfish, to
witness scenic vistas and to enjoy the use of the beaches had
been for over two centuries readily available to most people in
Southold.
As development continued quite slowly but steadily, over the last
50 years, access to the waters surrounding the Town has become
more and more limited. Whereas private ownership has
traditionally been the pattern along the shoreline, because the
land was relatively undeveloped and because each community within
the town was rather small, neighbors were often able to cross
properties to gain access to the waters and beaches or wetlands.
Over time, with increases in development there has been less
acceptance of "trespassing" as a suitable method of access and
relatively little public acquisition of shorefront properties has
taken place.
This master plan inventory and analysis of recreational
facilities is based extensively on the Parks, Recreation and O~en
.Space survey prepared in February, 1982 by Ward Associates and
P~anning Associates. This report has been expanded and updated
based on discussions with Town elected and appointed officials
including members of the Town Board, Town Trustees, Highway
Superintendent; Commissioners of the four Park Districts,
Superintendent of Orient State Park, Commissioner of the Long
Island Division of the New York State Office of Parks and
Recreation, Suffolk County Commissioner of Parks and Recreation
and interested citizens. Bruce Wilkins' Outdoor Recreation and
Commercial Fishery in the Town of Southold, Cornell University
1967, was also reviewed.
An analysis of park and recreation needs as part of the Southold
Master Plan is unusual in that there are needs for year-round as
well as seasonal population. Since the seasonal population is
important to the Town, the extent to which State, County and
private resources meet these needs and the extent to which local
resources (Tc~n and Park District) are utilized is a matter to be
considered in the Plan.
PUBLIC PARK AND RECREATION SERVICES
Park districts have played an important role in the Town in being
stewards of property and economically administering limited
budgets to perform maintenance and improvement functions. The
Town of Southold is presently served by four park districts --
Mattituck, Cutchogue-New Suffolk, Southold, Orient-East Marion --
and the Incorporated Village of Greenport. These districts
encompass the Town with the exception of the areas of Peconic,
Bayview, and the unincorporate area of Greenport. Generally~
these park districts have developed to serve local area
communities and have been oriented toward providing beach areas
and waterfront activities. The four Park Districts have been
established to act as a vehicle for acquiring and maintaining
properties to meet some of the recreational needs of residents.
Basically, each of the districts has focused on maintaining and
operating beach properties, but one district, Mattituck, has
taken a broader view and has provided diverse recreational areas.
In addition to Park District facilities, the Town maintains
general town parks open to all residents of the Town. The County
and State also have parkland holdings within the Town, and the
school districts own and maintain recreational facilities.
Another type of category of park properties is the local area
homeowners associations, i.e., Fleet Neck, Nassau Point and
others, which own and maintain mostly waterfront properties for
use by association members. While these properties are a private
rather than public resource, they satisfy certain recreation
needs, taking some burden from the public sector.
PARK DISTRICTS
MATTITUCK PARK DISTRICT
The western-most park district, Mattituck, has over the years
been the most divgrsified. Mattituck Park District properties
include Breakwater Park, Bailie's Beach, Wolf Pit Lake, Mattituck
Creek Boat Launching, Aldrich Lane Park, the Yacht Club Property,
Veteran's Memorial Park,.Westphalia Avenue Park, Marratooka Lake
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Park, and Bay Avenue Park. The budget for the 1982 fiscal year
was approximately $80,000. The Park District is not coterminous
with the Mattituck School District No. 9. School District No. 9
encompasses the Mattituck Park District and the Cutchogue-New
Suffolk Park District. Mattituck students can utilize tennis
courts and ballfields at Mattituck-Cutchogue High School.
Besides the Mattituck Park District, the Town is coordinating
with the Mattituck Inlet Advisory Committee, whose recommen-
dations for planing have an impact upon park and recreation land
uses in this areas as well as open space.
Mattituck Park District's lighted field is used by adult and
youth leagues with members throughout the Town. Mattituck Park
.District also allows ice skating by those outside the district.
Breakwater Park (17~ acres), located on the west side of
Mattituck Inlet, is a Long Island Sound Beach with parking area
and rest room building.
Bailie's Beach Park (22% acres) is located on the east side of
Mattituck Inlet. There is a Boy Scout cabin in the upland area.
Wolf Pit Lake (3 acres) is a small intermittent pond which
accumulates storm water run-off from the surrounding area. The
pond has been used for ice skating when weather permits and has
lights on it for night skating.
Mattituck Creek Boat Launching Park (1 acre) is located along the
North Road at the head of Mattituck Creek. Parking is limited
and expansion could be considered with Town property parallel to
the North Road and west of the landing site. Access is by permit
only and is limited to Park District residents.
Aldrich Lane Park (6 acres) is currently being developed for a
night- lighted softball field and soccer field. The property is
adjoining and north of Laurel School.
Mattituck Park District Beach "Yacht Club Property" (5½ acres) is
located along Peconic Bay Boulevard. The site is developed for a
softball field with night lighting, a parking area, and beach.
Adjacent to the property, on its west side, is a Yacht Club
building which gives the park its name.
Veterans Memorial Park (5 acres), a Peconic Bay front park at the
terminus of Bay Avenue, Mattituck, has a firemen's training
facility, storage and pavilion buildings, parking area, picnic
area, play apparatus area, a boccie court and shuffleboard
courts.
~estphalia
Mattituck,
park.
Avenu~ Park, in the central business district of
has potential for a sitting area and landscaped hamlet.
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~arratooka Lane Park (4 acres) is a parcel of land and pond along
south side Main Road in Mattituck which has been preserved for
open space and scenic use. Winter ice skating, weather
permitting, accounts for its most active use.
.Bay Avenue Park (4 acres) is the site of an existing Little
League field, small parking area, two tennis courts, and a small
wetlands area along James Creek.
CUTCHOGUE - NEW SUFFOLK PARK DISTRICT
The Cutchogue-Ne~ Suffolk Park District is bounded on the west
side by the Mattltuck Park District and on the east side by the
hamlet of Peconic, which is not within a park district. The
Cutchogue-New Suffolk Park District maintains two bay front
parks, Fleet Neck Beach and Nassau Point Community Beach. The
budget for 1982 was approximately $24,000.
~leet Neck Beach (1 acre) at the end of Pequash Avenue faces
Cutchogue Harbor and is limited in size and parking.
The Nassau Point Community Beach (19% acres) is a parcel of
~onsiderable acreage and beach ~ront on Little Peconic Bay and
wetlands areas on the west into Broadwater Cove. The beach is
adjacent to a waterfront area for the Nassau Point Homeowners
Association. The causeway, Nassau Point Road, divides the park
and provides easy access. Parallel to the beach and off the
causeway is a large parking area. Future improvements might
include tennis court, picnic area, beach pavilion, and on the
Broadwater Cove side, nature area, and possible boat launching
and marina facilities.
M~iscellaneous Area (10 acres) south side of New Suffolk Avenue
that cannot be developed because of gift restrictions, but can be
utilized for nature walks.
SOUTHOLD PARK DISTRICT
The Southold Park District is not coterminous with the Southold
School District and the areas of Bayview and Peconic are not
covered by the Park District. This has caused some confusion
with parking at Founders Landing Beach. The budget for the
district was approximately $37,500 for 1982, and most of the work
was performed under contracted services.
The Founders Landing Beach and Pavilio~ (1.75 acres) is the most
used park facility within the district providing bay swimming,
picnicking, refreshment Stand, basketball, and pavillion for
district use.
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Peconic Lane Park - the district maintains several Little League
baseball fields on private property, north of the Peconic School,
on Peconic Lane near Carroll Avenue.
The Horton Point Lighthouse ~roperty (8.75 acres) has been
converted to a museum which is administered by the Southold
Historical Society. A resident watchman/caretaker has reduced
vandalism, rampant in the past. This museum is significant to
the entire Town. There are a few picnic tables located on the
site, but extensive use of the park is discouraged. The Coast
Guard is putting in a radio tower at tkis location.
South ~arbor Park (4 acres) is located at the terminus of South
Harbor Road but has no beach or waterfront. The frontage is
currently owned by another party. (There is, however, a Town
road end with access to the water near this park.)
Triangle Park
of Southold.
provided.
(1.5 acres) is the western entrance to the hamlet
Here a flag pole, war memorial, and picnic area are
Sofskey Memorial Park provides another war memorial. This small
parcel is located in front of the Legion Hall on Main Road.
.youn~'s Avenue Park (1/3 acre) is located on Town Creek with a
grassy picnic area and dock area for tying up boats.
ORIENT-EAST MARION PARK DISTRICT
East of the Village of Greenport is the Orient-East Marion Park
District. The district budget for 1982 was approximately
$12,000.
Truman Beach, Orient, (8 acres) was recently acquired by the Park
District. This park is heavily utilized by Orient/East Marion
residents. The District also owns a parcel of property on the
south side of Main Road, most of which is wetlands.
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GENERAL TOWN PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES
The Town of Southold provides recreational facilities in various
locations for use by all residents. Most of the properties are
utilized for their water frontage for beach use or as boat
launching sites. The town maintains and provides lifeguards at
six beaches (listed below with asterisks) and hires a beach
manager for the Town. Residents are provided with stickers for
free parking (16,000 in 1982) and non-residents can pay for a
daily parking sticker (about 3,500 in 1982) or a seasonal
sticker.
The three most heavily used beach areas are: Norman'E. Klipp
Park at the end of Manhasset Avenue, Arshamomaque Beach and
Horton's Lane Beach (also known as McCabe's Beach).
The Town operates and maintains the Senior/Youth Center on
Peconic' Lane in Peconic. In 1983 it is providing $2,000 for
programming costs and is also underwriting the costs of heating
and cleaning the building, providing insurance, and is covering
expenditures for some supplies. In addition, $2,000 has been
appropriated for repair of game tables at the center.
Laurel Lake, Mattituck (11.5 acres) has access from Main Road and
frontage on Laurel Lake. The property was purchased for water
rights and the Town is allowing access and parking for those who
wish to use the adjacent State land for fishing purposes.
Mattituck Creek, Mattituck (1½ acres) property (largely wetland
area) fronting on Mattituck Creek, west of Park District boat
launching along North Road.
*Jackson Street, New Suffolk (1~ acres) bay front park
overlooking Robins Island. The beach area is served with
lifeguards in the summer. The park lot, in good condition,
marked for twenty cars.
is
Goldsmith Inlet, Peconic (1 acre) is Sound front property along
west side of Goldsmith's Inlet opposite the County Park. This
property is not utilized as a beach and does not currently have
lifeguards.
*Goose Creek, Southold (2 acres) beach is located on Southold Bay
and has lifeguards in summer.
Recreation Center, Peconic (2.3 acres) is located on the east
side of Peconic Lane. Programming is available for senior
citizens and youth of the Town. This site is adjacent to the
Peconic School which should be considered for acquisition by the
Town for recreational purposes if it is considered excess
property by the Southold School District.
Minnehaha Boulgvard, Southold (2 3/4 acres) has Hog Neck Bay and
Corey Creek frontage, but contains mostly wetlands. Access is
difficult for Town park use.
*Kenney's Road Beach, Southold (5 acres) was the site of winter
storm damage of 1981, destroying most of beach area and
undermining parking area. Some nourishment efforts are underway;
however the Town has not yet approved a significant amount of
funding for these repairs.
*Horton's Lane Beach, Southold (1½ acres) (also known as McCabe's
Beach) fronts on Sound and North Sea Drive.
*Arshamomaque Beach (also called Town Beach), Southold (6 acres)
access is along North Road for this most used Town-owned Sound
front bathing beach. There are a few swings and benches for
beach users.
Main Road and Old Main Road, Greenport is the site of the Chamber
of Commerce information center for tourism in the area.
Clark Beach, Greenport (1 acre) is a small parcel of Town-owned
beach fronting on the Sound and surrounded by County Inlet Pond
Park. The site is located near the Greenport Village sewage
outfall pipe and is therefore not suitable for beach use, but
could be considered as a possible site for boat ramp.
Sound Road, Greenport (1 acre) the terminus of Sound Road is a
small Sound front beach area.
Beach Road, Greenport (1 acre) small waterfront parcel on
Stirling Harbor. It has a launching ramp for boats and a
good-sized parking area.
*Manhasset Avenue, Greenport (3½ acres) (also called Norman E.
Klipp Park) is a significant beach fronting on Gull Pond and
Gardiner,s Bay overlooking Shelter Island. The park contains
large parking area, pavilion playground area, and a bathing beach
and it has ~ State built launching ramp at this location.
In addition to Town-owned and maintained facilities listed above,
Southold residents also utilize the right-of-way at the end of
several town roads to gain access to Long Island Sound or Peconic
Bay. The use of these beaches for swimming or launching boats at
the ends of the Town roads is frequently viewed unfavorably by
the Town because of liability problems as well by the residents
of the street because they feel that their quiet and privacy are
being invaded and threatened by the presence of non-neighbors and
additional cars.
In fact, however, extensive use of these road-end beaches and
launching sites indicates the desires and needs of Town residents
to have access to the waterfront near their homes.
FISHERS ISLAND
Fishers Island is discussed separately in this memorandum because
of its geographic location and the mixed nature of the ownership
and a~ntenance of facilities. Since it is separated from the
m '
mainland, the bulk of the recreational needs of the community
must be available on the Island both for year-round residents and
summer visitors and second home Owners. As on the mainland,
however, the shoreline of the island is the chief recreational
asset of the community. Swimming, boating, and fishing are
favorite recreational pastimes, as are tennis and golf. Both
public and private resources supply sites and facilities for
recreational activities.
The.Fishers Island School is a focus of recreational activity.
It operates day-night year-round as a hub of the island's
recreational and continuous education programs on its seven acre
school property.
The school site itself has two lighted tennis courts, a
basketball court and small field area. It also contains a
bowling alley which is being renovated and leased and will be
operated by the Island Peoples Project.
The Island Peoples Project is a community group that is
responsible for much recreational programming on the Island. In
addition to supporting the bowling facilities, they arrange for
water safety, swimming and sailing instructions at the Town Beach
in the western portion of the Island, and provide ballfields near
the center of the village area for league ball games.
The Town has allocated money for recreational facilities on
Fishers Island. Funds have recently been appropriated for an
improved launching ramp on Peninsula Road since the old one
became unsuitable. The Town also provided for the installation
of lights at the school tennis courts so that night tennis could
be available at a small charge for power for those who wished to
use it and provided funds for the paving of basketball courts.
The private sector, namely the Fishers Island Development
Corporation, owns a substantial amount of the recreational and
open space area of the Island. FIDCO owns about 240 undeveloped
acres at the eastern end of Fishers Island plus all the land and
most of the buildings used by the Fishers Island Country Club.
It owns the Fishers Island Yacht Club buildings and marina and
provides maintenance services at Isabella and Chocomont beaches.
Isabella Beach has no lifeguards, but can be utilized by Island
residents only who present a pass to enter the eastern private
restricted area of Fishers Island. Chocomont Beach is used only
bY-~r~sidents of the eastern portion of Fishers Island.
Two golf clubs and two yacht clubs provide focus for private
recreational activities on the Island.
8
COUNTY PARKS
In the Town of Southold, Suffolk County has three park properties
fronting on the Long Island Sound, and one beach front on Peconic
Bay. These properties totalling about 169 acres are nature areas
and preserves with the exception of the Peconic Dunes Youth Camp.
The recreational/open lands in Southold owned by Suffolk County
are generally underutilized and available for open space or
nature observation use, rather than for active recreation.
Although all the properties front on water, there are currently
no lifeguards supplied by.the County. The county lands in
Southold may be considered a resource for future needs when, for
example, they might be used as beach areas with life guards
provided.
Suffolk County also holds Indian Island Park in the Town of
Riverhead which contains golfing and camping facilities that can
be utilized by Southold residents.
Goldsmith's Inlet, Southold (34 acres) is located between
Soundview Avenue and Long Island Sound and surrounds Peconic
Inlet pond. It is used almost exclusively for nature walks and
passive recreation use is anticipated for near future.
Peconic Dunes Youth Camp, Southold (37 acres) is beachfront
property located on the Sound providing public youth camp
facilities to County residents. An environmental education
program and sleep away camp are operated by Suffolk County Office
for Promoting Education (SCOPE) which is partially supported by
individual school districts.
Cedar Beach, Bayview (62 acres) is a bay front property located
on Peconic Bay and Cedar Beach Creek containing significant
wetlands and beach area. The Town of Southold maintains and
polices this area, but no lifeguards are provided; although many
use this area for swimming. A marine technology unit of Suffolk
County Community College is located within this site.
Inlet Pond, Greenport (36 acres) is a property with road frontage
on North Road and beach frontage on the Sound, adjacent to Clark
Beach. The Inlet Pond County Park is utilized primarily as a
nature area.
STATE PARKLAND
!
ii
Orient contains a major state park on the North Fork, Orient
Beach State Park. This site is the terminus of many summer
tourist day trips and group bus outings. The other State-owned
property in ~he Town of Southold is a parcel along Laurel Lake in
Mattituck.
Orient Beach State Park (357 acres) is located on a long, narrow
peninsula and fronts on Gardiner's Bay overlooking Shelter Island
and Plum Island. The park contains a food stand, bathing beach,
picnic areas, play field, nature walks, preserve, fishing and
swimming areas. It may serve up to 2,000 on a summer Sunday
(which happens three times per year according to both the Pa~k
Superintendent and the Director of the Long Island Park
Commission). The parking area is limited to about 150 spaces to
accommodate cars and buses. There are plans to expand size of
parking area, but funding is currently not available. There is
also some limitation to the water supply currently serving the
site.
About one half of the site is a National Natural Landmark which
cannot be developed. The gravel spit area is utilized as a bird
sanctuary and nature area primarily in spring and fall months.
Laurel Lake, Mattituc~ is State-owned property with frontage on
Main Road and Laurel Lake. This parcel is adjacent to the Tow~n
owned parcel. Fishermen currently park on Town property to
utilize this State parcel.
SCHOOLS
School District sites in the Town of Southold are utilized for
most field sports and school districts provide the prime
programming of inter-scholastic, intramural, and organized team
sports. The community identification is frequently aligned to
the high schools located in Mattituck, Southold, and Greenport.
Football, baseball, Little League softball games and soccer games
are played both on school and park district ball fields. Tennis
is played at high school courts.
Elementary schools located in Orient, New Suffolk, Cutchogue
(East) and Laurel are also centers of local recreational
activities. The school plants comprise one of the most valuable
public resources in the community. Music, art, clubs, and the
seasonal sports program have offered varied activities to youth
and to other segments of the population.
The school district sites contain substantial areas for
recreational use within each community.
Laurel School (8.6 acres) has a playground area, basketball
courts and a softball field. An all-purpose room is
utilized during and after school hours.
New Suffolk School (2.5 acres in two parcels) this school
has an all-purpose room for indoor activities and an outdoor
play area. Across the street on a separate lot is a basket-
ball court and softball field.
Mattituck-Cutchogue Schools (Cutchogue School [East] 21.4
acres, Cutchogue School [West] 6.1 acres and Mattituck-
"Cutchogue School 11.4 acres plus five acres across Route 25
adjacent to Maratooka Lake.)
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The two elementary schools have playground areas, basketball
courts and ballfields and the Cutchogue School (East) has
tennis courts and a physical' fitness area. The high
school/two through four complex has a playground, four
tennis courts, baseball field, basketball court, soccer and
football fields located on more than eight acres. The high
school recreational facilities are utilized for after school
and summer programs as are the tennis courts at the
elementary school.
$outhold (Oaklawn complex 38.7 acres and Peconic Lane School
4.3 acres). The Peconic School has a playground area and
ballfield, but most of the recreational activity in the
District occurs at the middle school/high school'site where
the gymnasium, auditorium, playground area and playing
fields are located for in- and after-school activities.
There are four tennis courts, a basketball court, and
softball, soccer and football fields.
Greenport School The school has two gymnasiums, a playground
area, four baseball fields, two softball fields, one soccer
field, one football field, one field hockey area, a physical
fitness/obstacle course area, and one track. None of the
outdoor facilities are lighted, but the gymnasium is open
during evening hours for community recreational use. The
.Town has allocated money for lighting the ball park on
Moore's Lane and this improvement is expected to be
completed in 1983.
Oyster Ponds Schools (School site is 12.9 acres and East
Marion Recreation area is 10.3 acres). The East Marion site
is currently utilized for a tennis court, basketball
backstop and baseball field. The Orient School site also
furnishes a multi-purpose gymnasium, soccerfield, tennis
court, basketball court, and several ballfields.
Fishers Island School (see separate discussion of Fishers
Island recreation)
In 1983 the Town of Southold allocated funds for improvement of
recreational facilities at two schools: $4,000 has been
allocated for lighting tennis courts at the Fishers Island School
and under $1,000 will be appropriated to provide lighting for the
Greenport ballpark on Moore's Lane. In addition, in 1983 the
Town will furnish monies to four school districts for summer
recreation programs - $4,000 to Mattituck-Cutchogue, $2,800 to
Southold, $1,200 to Oyster Ponds and $550 for Fishers Island.
Furthermore $3,450 has been appropriated for a winter roller
skating program in Greenport.
PRIVATE RECREATION
The east end of the North Fork of Long Island, specifically, the
Town of Southold, has evolved a tourism industry and a sizable
11
second home summer population because of its natural resources,
abundance of open space, farms, picturesque villages, and the
ever-present Waterfront. This summer industry Creates a greater
need for and a greater market for private recreational activities
to supplement the public sector. The primary private
recreational facilities in the Town are yacht clubs, fishing
stations, marinas, horse farms and stables, golf clubs, swimming
pool clubs, tennis clubs, a bowling alley and rod and gun clubs.
When added to the public sector facilities,
expands the range of activities available in the private sector
the Town.
The first group of private recreational facilities are list
Cptegory rather than location . .
will draw Users/na~ ..... because it is as~ .... ~ ~ . ed by
Marinas/shipyard~ .... ~p~n~s ~rom Various oorti2~"~=%~at most ,
are presented by area for identification
purposes because there are a greater number of these facilities,
as might be expected in this Town with many waterfront
communities.
There are Currently two golf c
of Southold: Cedars G~ ~..~l~bs_open to the Dubli~ ~,
~ ~u~ 1 .... · the Town
· n Cutchogue and Island's End Golf
and C~uptry C~ub in Gree~ort. These clubs also make thei
facilities available to hlch
~r~atlon. Facilities m~ ~h~ol..students for aft r =~h~
-uuCnogue are av=~ _~ ~ North Fork C~,,~-~ ~C ~?~
also utilize the golf COUrse at the Suffolk County Indian Island
mb ...... ~3. ~ome Southold residents
Park in Riverhead.
Strong's Marina near Pipes Cove has a pool and tennis club
operating in the summer months, and the Country clubs have Some
pool and tennis facilities.
Hidden Lake Farm Riding School provides instruction in horseback
riding, and many other OpPortunities exist in Town of Southold
and eastern Riverhead for rental and riding of horses.
The marinas, shipyards, and yacht clubs of the Town are entire
within the private sector. Boat launching ramps are in Somely
cases provided by the Town of Southold and in other cases are one
of the services provided at Commercial marinas. The following is
a list primarily of the commercial marine activity centers in the
Town of Southold. The information has largely been taken from
the 1983 edition of .B%a3~ng. Alm~Aac' This Source is useful to
utilize in comparing the significance of hamlets as marine
centers, but reliance on the Almanac s Counting of slips might be
misleading. Greenport with i~ep~harbor port has extensive
facilities for boaters and Southold and Mattituck have
substantial operations located there.
Fishers Island recreational facilities discussed in separate section.
12
Southold has four marinas, two fishing stations, a boatyard
and a marina, and a restaurant and a marina with over 680
slips.
Mattituck has three marinas with slips for over 200 boats,
one marine and shipyard with 60 slips, a fishing station and
marina with 40 slips, a yacht club, a restaurant with
docking facilities and a park district marina with 20 slips.
Cutcho~ue has two marinas, one with 110 slips and New
Suffolk has two shipyards, two fishing stations and a Town
ramp.
Greenport (incorporated and unincorporated areas) has five
marinas with about 500 slips, two boat yards and a
commercial fishing dock, four restaurants and one shop with
extensive dockside facilities for transients. Public boat
ramp also available.
Orient has two marinas with about 115 slips available, a
fishing station with a ramp, a yacht club, a restaurant with
docking facilities and a park district ramp on the Sound. A
public ramp was previously available on the bay side.
OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION
Permanent undeveloped open space itself is important from several
perspectives. It contributes to the open quality of the Town and
provides areas for passive activities (sitting, walking). It is
also important as a means of protecting sensitive or important
environmental features (wetlands, dunes, agricultural lands).
There are many public and private approaches that are utilized in
the Town of Southold to preserve open space beside land held as
Town, County or State parks. The Suffolk County Farmland
Preservation Program (443 acres in Southold), the Town of
Southold Scenic Easements program, and the efforts of the New
York State Department of Environmental Conservation do much to
conserve and preserve vital resources in the Town. The Town
Trustees with their responsibilities for waterways and in their
role as reviewers of wetland permit requests, along with the
Conservation Advisory Council, play an important role in
preserving sensitive environmental features and open space in the
Town. In addition, the Nature Conservancy and private
individuals acquire and hold sensitive parcels to keep them in
their natural state.
Suffolk County Farm Preservation Program the Suffolk County Farm
Preservation Program, Phase One, adopted, and Phase Two, under
consideration~ is making a contribution to maintaining desirable
13
farm properties and open space. Approximately 440 acres have
been protected in this manner in Phase One.
Town of Southold Scenic Easemen~ the Town of Southold, through
action of the Town Board, can allow property 6wners to convey
scenic or conservation easements to the Town b a ree'
their properties ~n a "sta~ ~ ....... Y. g Lng to keep
~ ~ ~uura~ scenic beauty" as open
space lands. At the present time, 13 parcels totalling 280 acres
are in this category. All parcels are located in Orient except
one which is located in the Greenport/East Marion area. All
parcels located in Orient have been granted a 50% reduction in
assessment for a ten-year period. (The easement for the parcel
in Greenport/East Marion has no expiration date.) If easements
are granted for long periods of time, e.g. 50 years, they could
more effectively reduce development in some sensitive areas.
The Nature Conservancy the Nature Conservancy has acquired twelve
properties in the Town of Southold including Howell Meadow,
Meadow Beach, Husing Pond Preserve, and Marratooka Lake Preserve.
Howell Meadow, Southold, is the last natural salt marsh on Goose
Creek and of special interest to those studying wetlands
progression, and salt marsh flora and fauna. Meadow Preserve,
Nassau Point, is a beautiful salt meadow peninsula formed by the
'lateral drift along the west shore of Nassau Point in Peconic
Bay. Husing Pond, Mattituck, was a gift from Miss Martha Husing.
Originally a salt marsh, it is now a fresh water woods complex,
providing cover for a variety of birds and animals. Marratooka
Lake Preserve along Main Road fronts on Marratooka Lake,
preserving fresh water wetlands environment and scenic open space
within the Hamlet of Mattituck. This Maratooka preserve is 10.64
acres and the total Nature Conservancy holdings in the Town
including Fishers Island are 111 acres.
Department of Environmental Conservatioxx
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has
jurisdiction and control over development of public and private
uses within 300 feet of highwater in tidal wetland areas
bordering the Bays or the Sound. Considering the waterfront
community of the Town of Southold, this agency's Overview is
significant. Permits for dredging, bulkheading, and any
development within 300 feet of tidal Wetlands must be approved by
DEC. The Department also has a program of purchasing significant
wetlands areas where development might destroy these valuable
resources. The DEC, through the coordination of the Mattituck
Inlet Advisory Committee, is investigating the acquisition of
Phase Two acquisitions thus far have included 100 acres in Southold.
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wetlands on the east side of Mattituck Creek ~nd south of
Bailey's Beach under consideration for purchase.
Private Open Space
Some individuals with extensive holdings are able to keep
environmentally sensitive lands such as beaches and wetlands
open space areas.
as
Summary of Recreation and Open Space Lands
Town of Southold
District Parks
Mattituck 69 acres (10 sites)
Cutchogue-New Suffolk 31 acres ( 3 sites)
Southold 18 acres ( 7 sites)
Orient-East Marioa 12 acres ( 2 sites)
Schools
Laurel
Mattituck-Cutchogue
New Suffolk
Southold
Oyster Ponds
[Fishers Island]
Town Parks
Total District, School, Town
County Parks
State Parks
Farmland Preservation Program
Nature Conservancy
Scenic/Conservation Easements
44 acres
2.5 acres
43 acres
23 acres
14 acres
42 acres
338 acres*
169 acres
370 acres
443 acres
111 acres
280 acres
1 site)
4 sites)
2 sites)
2 sites)
2 sites)
3 sites)
(15 sites)
( 4 sites)
[ 2 sites)
(15 sites)
(12 sites)**
(13 sites)
* Not all of this land is In active recreation; some is wetland, some is
occupied by school buildings.
**As of February 1984 an additional parcel has been acquired in Orient by
the Nature Conservancy.
These wetlands near the mouth of Mattituck Creek have subsequently been acquired by the DEC.
15
FUTURE DIRECTIONS FOR TOWN RECREATIONAL FACILITY PLANNING
Needs and desires for recreational experiences vary and recre-
etlon facilities planning reflect the needs of all ages from
youth, young adult, adult and Senior citizen. This planning must
recognize that Some residents are renters and Some are home-
Owners; that Some live near the Water and other live inland; and
that Some opportunities are available in the summer, but not the
winter and that others have been traditionally available while
school has been in session, but not during school Vacation
periods including the summer time. Some recreational facilities
should be available locally and other can be effective at a
central location.
It is important to think about Town-wide planning and implemen-
tation of recreational goals. While it can be expected that the
private sector will take care of many of the needs, the
public/Town must continue to work with the school systems to
provide recreational opportunities for all residents. Town
officials need to be aware that what is available only through
the private sector may not be available to Some segments of
community most needing recreational facilities _ such as youth,
young adults and senior citizens.
Access to the Water increasingly becomes a problem. Opportuni
ties to. assure future access les -
~Wnershlp changes fr ~ · ....... s~ as the pattern of
Tracts. ~ .... ow ~=~ ±anano±ain~s ~- - -
~uper~v OWne~ ~ .... .~ ~u many small devel
public access to their land.
..... ~ lncreaslngly tended to restri~ed
Moreover, the community provides facilities for residents and has
made recreational facilities available to visitors as well. Many
Current residents are people who c
to enjoy the water~__~ _ ~ . ame to Southold o .......
shellfishin~, swi~ ~n~ Wa~er related activi~-" ~.v~ca~lon
~M uennls and/or --~= _ ~ ~uumulonal ommo~__:_.
ridin~ ma- ~-~- ~z, go Dlke ridin~ ~,.: r~ ~=unlEles to
recreation oriented tourist industry is -~ ~u~maunlty of the
Significant.
There are Various approaches to determining apPro~ria~-
sites and facilities for the recreatio ........ ~ == range or
~ ~op=uu or the Town Plan.
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has _
lished. ~asic Standards for land a ....... estab
~lt~es vary in their character~ti~tcz±~t~s. However,
.... conomy. Southold with an o1~- - ~' ~P?~u±ation Structure
· l~ely to change dramaticall- ~- ~=~ popu±a~lon that is t
~easonal population a ..... Y ~n ~U~ure years, with ~
have d;~ ...... ' nu wltn extensive Waterf ~ &arge
.... · =au neeas than a traditionally s,,b~°~n,t resources may
an urban County such as Nassau. The NRPA basic Standard says
~ ~ ~an community or
there should be 10 acres of local recreational land per 1,000
populati6n (year-round). Using this Standard, with present Town,
Park District and School District holdings of 330 acres, and
assuming about 260 acres of this is usable for active recreation,
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the Town has sufficient land to support about a 30 percent
increase in population; however, other data needs to be examined
to determine appropriate standards for Southold. There is also a
range of basic facilities such as ballfields and playfields which
appear to be sufficient and tennis courts which do not appear to
be sufficient. Distribution and access to this land and the
range of facilities on it are uneven. There are parts of the
Town such as Orient-East Marion which have very minimal fa=iii-
ties; Peconic and Bayview and West Greenport which are not part
of any park district and there are areas where access to water is
limited even though the Town has an extensive coastline. Further
analysis of adequacy recreational areas and facilities will be
undertaken in a separate memo.
A compilation of standards by NPRA for basic facilities is also
included as an appendix to the memo, which can be used as a
guide, but not as a rigid standard for the Town.
The 1981 League of Women Voters survey found the strongest
desires among respondents for bicycle paths, nature trails and a
greater access to school facilities.
On the other hand private facilities, home associations, and
county and State lands have the potential to satisfy some future
needs. ~
There appears to be some consensus from' various interviews
conducted by the Consultants on 'the desirability of the Town's
providing additional boat launching sites, sites suitable for
surf casting and additional beach sites. Some sites that have
been Suggested for boat launching areas include: Inlet Pond
area; Broadwater Cove; Mattituck Inlet; Orient/Hallocks Bay; and
the Sound side of Orient.
There is a recognized future need for additional boating slips,
but at this time consensus appears to be in favor of supplying
this resource through the private sector, i.e. through expansion
of existing commercial marinas or creation of new commercial
marinas.
There has also been increasing interest in establishing a
year-round swimming pool, a covered skating rink, and additional
tennis courts. All or any one of these facilities might be
established by the Town as part of an all over recreation program
or they could be undertaken by one or more of the school
districts with mutual, reciprocal or pay as you go arrangements
for students and participants from other areas. They might be
part of a quasi-public community recreational facility such as a
YMCA, Boys' Club or other type of community center. These also
might be provided t~ougq~lDrivate entrepreneurs.
Further analysis of needs and how they are to be provided as part
of the longer range plan will be included in another memo. This
inventory and analysis identifies some of the issues and provides
a base point for planning. '
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Recreational Planning Options Made by Ward Associate~
In February 1982, Ward Associates made the following six
planning and management options/recommendations for the To~ of
$outhold in developing the park, recreation and open space needs
for the Town.
Acquisition of park lands and significant open spaces:
present public park land is limited and additional
population growth will overcrowd and over-use facilities if
not expanded and additional land purchased. Town should
look to all alternative acquisition tools, including gifts,
purchase of land through tax abatement, density zoninq, and
the stimulation of other agencies to acquire property, i.e.,
DEC, the County and State.
Consideration should be given to change park district
boundaries and/or consolidate park districts to be
coterminous with school district boundaries. This would
offer common service areas to residents, better identity and
understanding of districts, and better coordination of
school park services.
Town should consider "Southold" Park and Beach Pass to
encompass a coordinated Park District effort to allow all
Town residents to participate in Park District facilities of
their choice rather than being limited to home districts~
The fee for the pass would be divided among all districts to
compensate for the additional services to be rendered.
Town should consider negotiations with local park districts
to administer and operate properties of Town-wide
significance, in lieu of remaining as local park district
properties, i.e., Horton Point Lighthouse Museum; parks at
Mattituck Inlet; Nassau Point Causeway Park, etc. These
properties are of similar impact as Arshamomaque Town Beach,
Southold. These facilities are of significance to all the
residents of Southold Town. An interim solution to open
these facilities to the entire Town would be the Southold
Pass concept.
Town should consider a Department of Recreation and Parks
with professional leadership. This department would
coordinate park district operational functions, as well as
Town-wide facilities, and would be the coordinator of other
agency cooperation. Local park district board members would
be unsalaried and would be advisory to the Department of
Recreation and Parks. Savings could be est__ablished in
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Surve~ prepared by Ward Associates.
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providing a central mobile maintenance crew to service all
districts and Town facilities under the Department of
Highways, or the proposed Department of Recreation and
Parks.
Town should consider a central year-round recreation complex
to serve the broad based needs of the residents. Complex
should include outdoor activities such as a swimming pool,
court games, playground, picnicking, and a complement of
indoor activities. Possible long-range goal would be to
expand Peconic Senior Youth Center by merging with Peconic
School when, and if, school becomes surplus and adding above
outdoor complement of facilities. A swimming pool facility
could be self-supporting through user fees. Limited
opportunity exists in the Town for swimming pool use through
summer private club-type facilities. Alternative is to have
combined public/private facility offering "Y" type use on
public property through lease arrangement.
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SUGGESTED STANDARDS FOR BASIC OUTDOOR RECREATION FACILITIF..~*
Facility
Standard per Persons
Baseball 1 per 5,000
Basketball I ~er 5,000
Handball 1 Der 20,000
Golf Co~rse I per 50,000
Field Games (Soccer, Football, etc.} I per 10,000
Softball 1 per 5,000
Tennis 1 per 2,000
Swimming Pool I per 20,000
*Source: Recreation, Park and Open Space Standards and Guidelines,
National Park and Recreation Association, 1983.
RPPW
Raymond, Parish, Pine & Weiner, Inc. 555 White Plains Road, Tarrytown. NY 10591 914/631-9003 212/365-2666
Memorandum
October 1983
TO:
FROM:
RE:
Southold Planning Board
RPPW, Inc.
ANALYSIS OF PARK AND RECREATION NEEDS
The existing inventory of Southold's recreation facilities and
open space was described in the memorandum entitled "Parks and
Recreation Facilities and Open Space Areas in the Town of
Southold" dated March 23, 1983. That memorandum did not evaluate
recreation facilities in terms of use patterns or actual and
perceived needs or examine their adequacy.
Moreover, since use data is not available and because performing
an analysis of various types of recreation facilities, using
nationally-derived standards generally applicable to typical
urban or suburban communities was considered inappropriate for
this rural/coastal community, this analysis has focused on
accessibility and availability of active recreation facilities,
beaches and marine facilities in the various communities within
the Town.
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The need to provide recreation areas for existing and future
users, especially beach, tennis and other facilities used by
seasonal and vacationing visitors, creates a need to look at
recreation in a somewhat broader manner than might otherwise be
the case. The recreation standards applicable to urban or
suburban areas are generally not applicable in Southold, with its
mixture of semi-rural hamlets and seasonal residential areas.
For example, the high proportion of apartment dwellers in urban
areas makes the frequent provision of local tot lots and play-
grounds a necessity, while in predominantly single family areas,
such as Southold, these facilities often duplicate those found in
many backyards. On the other hand, small (2-3 acre) neighborhood
parks with playing fields and sitting areas (incorporating ball
fields for children and gathering places for older residents)
would be both pleasant and useful in the Town's residential
areas. In addition, semi-rural areas like Southold offer and
experience a demand for other types of recreation opportunities -
(e.g. beaches, natural open space areas, etc.) not found in
cities.
The recreation facilities in the Town analyzed in this study are
under State, County, Town, park district and school district
jurisdiction. (It should be noted that the Town also includes
numerous private and semi-private recreation uses, including golf
courses, marinas and association beaches.) State, County and
Town facilities (open to all $outhold residents) include primari-
ly beaches, natural areas, picnic and fishing areas. The more
active recreation facilities in the Town are usually provided in
district parks or as part of school facilities, and are thus
normally limited to those residents of a specific park or school
district. Since the school district and park district boundaries
are not always coterminous, some confusion results as to which
residents may use certain facilities. The availability of park
and recreation facilities within the Town to both Town residents
and visitors varies a great deal from district to district. For
this reason, in addition to a general discussion of Town-wide
recreation opportunities, the various areas of the Town are
addressed individually. Discussion will include a general
analysis, the perceived needs that result from this analysis and
existing or potential opportunities to improve the recreation in
the area.
Parks and recreation facilities in the Town were analyzed by
their location, the extent of the area served, and by the type of
recreation facilities offered. The Southold beaches and those
areas within a one-two mile radius of town, state and county
beaches and one-half mile-two mile radius of district beaches
were mapped. In addition, the locations of the Town's many
association beaches were also mapped. This type of analysis
showed that most Town residents are within one to two miles of a
public beach, with the exception of the Peconic area and the
northern half of the Cutchogue Park District.
Parks, recreation and school facilities used for recreation
(excluding parks used only for beaches) were mapped separately,
with service area radii of one-half and one mile. The one-half
mile radius was selected because it appears to be the maximum
desirable distance for school age children to walk or bicycle,
while the one mile radius represents the maximum desirable
distance for convenient use by adolescents and adults. The kinds
of recreation facilities offered, ranging from active uses such
as playgrounds, ballfields, basketball and tennis courts to more
passive nature areas were also noted on this map. This kind of
analysis makes it possible to identify those areas lacking any or
all nearby active recreation facilities (excluding beaches).
Areas in the Town not within a one mile radius of active
recreation areas include the northern portions of Mattituck,
Cutchogue and Southold; areas west of Greenport; portions of
Orient and the Nassau Point and Bayview peninsulas.
Town-wide Recreation Needs
Results of a 1981 League of Women Voters survey indicate that
residents most desire bicycle paths, nature trails, and greater
access to school facilities. In addition, the most significant
Town-wide deficiency is the absence of an outdoor and/or indoor
swimming pool that can be used for recreation and competitive
swimming. Important considerations of the proposed Master Plan
will thus be the addition of a bicycle trail system and a major
swimming/recreation complex. The latter might be located in the
Peconic area, possibly at the present Senior-Youth Center site
which is centrally located and accessible.
There is an increasing demand for boat launching and boat mooring
facilities. Present facilities are limited and the capacity of
creek areas in all parts of the Town to accommodate additional
facilities is also restricted. Further, marina space is limited
(marina owners had to turn people away in 1983) and potential
additional marina sites are few. Potential marina and boat
launch locations will'be incorporated into the Master Plan.
Because of the scarcity of appropriate marina sites, however,
Town policy should encourage the continuation of existing mari-
MATTITUCK/LAUREL
This area includes portions of the Town within the Mattituck Park
District (generally between the Town border and just east of
Elijah's Lane). The southwestern corner of the district is
within the Laurel School District, while the remainder of the
area is within the Mattituck-Cutchogue School District.
Mattituck has an active park district and, as a result, generally
excellent recreation coverage. There is a wide variety of
facilities, including playgrounds, basketball courts, playing
fields, beaches, natural areas and ice skating ponds. The high
school offers play areas, basketball and tennis courts, baseball
fields and football/soccer fields. Almost all of the area is
within two miles of a beach (both Sound and Bay sides). The
southern portion of the district includes few areas outside the
one mile park radius; however the portions of the area north of
Route 48 to the west of Mattituck Creek and north of Oregon Road
to the east of the Creek lack active recreation areas (Breakwater
and Bailies Beach parks offer swimming and natural areas, but
lack active recreation facilities).
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'Needs
The major need in the Mattituck area appears to be active
recreation areas; e.g. playgrounds, ballfields, basketball
and tennis courts, in the northern part of the district,
particularly west of Mattituck Creek, where most of the
northern area's residential development exists.
A second need is the provision of additional waterfront
access for non-district residents in the Mattituck Creek
area.
-O~ortunities
It might be possible to use a small portion of the 17 acre
Breakwater park for more active uses (e.g. a playing field,
small playground and/or tennis courts) to serve residents in
the northern part of the area.
There may be an opportunity for the development of a Town
park, on Mattituck Inlet, through the acquisition of the
tank farm area or the northern parcel at the mouth, adjacent
to Breakwater Park. These would provide waterfront access
to Town residents, as well as preserving a portion of the
Mattituck inlet shoreline.
As development occurs, small parks and sensitive environ-
mental areas should be set aside for neighborhood recreation
use and open space preservation.
CUTCHOGUE-NEW SUFFOLK
The Cutchogue-New Suffolk Park District extends from the eastern
border of the Mattituck District to approximately one-half mile
east of Bridge Lane, and includes the communities of Cutchogue,
New Suffolk and Nassau Point. Most of the area is within the
Mattituck-Cutchogue School District, with the exception of New
Suffolk (seventh-twelfth grade students attend the Southold
School -- a great distance from the hamlet). Thus, most area
residents have access to the recreation facilities at the
Mattituck-Cutchogue High School, as well as other school sites.
Generally, the Cutchogue-New Suffolk area offers relatively
limited public park and recreation facilities. Active recreation
facilities are found only at the three area schools (New Suffolk,
Cutchogue East and Cutchogue West). Facilities include play-
grounds, tennis Courts, basketball courts and ball fields. The
~tchogue East School also includes a very pleasant natural area.
addition, as previously mentioned, residents (with the excep-
tion of those in New Suffolk who may use the Southold School
facilities) may use the facilities at the Mattituck-Cutchogue
High School, although these are several miles away. Most of the
area's residents are within a mile of a school recreation area,
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with the exception of those in Nassau Point and the more sparsely
populated area north of North Road.
Beach facilities in the district are generally good, although
limited to the bay side. There are two District beaches, one of
which includes a small natural area, as well as a Town beach in
New Suffolk. These are within one mile of most of the District
residents, although the area north of the railroad is outside of
the two mile radius. However, the present population of this
area is low, and if an agricultural preservation program is
utilized in this area, it will remain low.
~eeds
Although the schools now provide a variety of recreation
facilities, the area could use a park providing both active
and passive recreation areas.
New Suffolk residents lack accessible tennis courts (the
nearest available public courts open to New Suffolk resi-
dents are at the Southold School).
A beach on the Sound would offer a more convenient beach to
residents in the northern part of the area, and give those
in the central and southern sections greater choice.
Active recreation facilities are lacking in the Nassau Point
area.
OpPortunities
There may be some opportunity to add limited recreation
facilities at the 19 acre Nassau Point Beach. These might
include nature trails, one or two tennis courts and play-
ground equipment.
Public beach access on the Sound should be secured as the
northern shore area is developed.
The eventual acquisition of all or a portion of Downs Woods
as a Town park should be considered, as a means of preserv-
ing the open space buffer between Mattituck and Cutchogue,
protecting and enhancing the Fort Corchaug historic re-
sources and providing passive recreation opportunities to
area residents.
As development occurs, small parks and sensitive environ-
mental areas should be set aside for neighborhood recreation
use and open space preservation.
PECONIC
The Peconic area is part of the Southold School District, but is
not part of a park district. Recreation facilities in the area
are largely limited to the playgrounds and ballfields located at
the Peconic School, the Town Recreation Center and the fields on
Peconic Lane near Carroll Avenue. Goldsmith Inlet Park on the
Sound provides nature areas, but is not developed as a beach. As
part of the Southold School District, residents can use the
facilities at the Southold School.
~eeds
The area needs additional recreation .facilities,
tennis courts, basketball courts, and beaches.
Opportunities
including
As the location of the Town Recreation and Senior Center and
because of its central position in the Town, Peconic is a
potential location for Town-wide recreation facilities, such
as a swimming pool complex which could also house some of
the active recreation facilities not now available to
Peconic area residents.
The development of a portion of the Goldsmith's Inlet Park
beach for active use would provide the needed beach access,
without expensive acquisition.
As development occurs, small parks and sensitive environ-
mental areas should be set aside for neighborhood recreation
use and open space preservation.
S~OUTHOLD
The Southold Park District extends from east of Peconic to
Arshamomaque Pond, but excludes the Bayview peninsula. The
Southold School District includes the entire area, (including
Bayview and Peconic).
Beach facilities, both Town and District, are easily accessible
to area residents. Most residents are within one mile of a
beach, while the remainder are within two miles. Area beaches
include one District beach on the bay and three Town beache~-on
the Sound. (The County-owned Cedar Beach in Bayview is also
easily accessible.)
Recreation facilities, including playgrounds, basketball courts,
tennis courts, and playing fields are located at the Southold
School, while Founders Landing Park includes basketball courts
and a picnic area in addition to the beach. Most of the Southold
hamlet residents are within one mile of these facilities, al-
though a few residents are within one-half mile of active
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recreation facilities. The northern and eastern portions of the
area are outside of the one mile radius.
Needs
As Southold area grows, it will need additional neighborhood
playgrounds and playing fields, particularly in those
developed areas beyond the one-half mile radius of existing
facilities or near the north shore.
Opportunities
The South Harbor Park (four acres) currently does not have
beach access. The eventual purchase of this access would
increase the number of beaches in the area without neces-
sitating the purchase of large areas.
The western bank of Arshamomaque Pond
recreation/conservation, and should be
acquisition.
is a prime area for
considered for park
As development occurs, small parks and sensitive environ-
mental areas should be set aside for recreation use and open
space preservation.
BAYVIEW
Although Bayview is within the Southold School District, it is
not within a park district. The nearest active recreation area
is at the Southold School; well over one mile away for most
Bayview residents. Passive recreation opportunities are more
prevalent, and include the extensive natural areas at Cedar Beach
Park.
The area is better served by beaches; residents in the peninsula
are generally within a mile of either Cedar Beach (no life guards
available) or Goose Creek Beach, in addition to a number of
association beaches.
Needs
Bayview needs easily accessible recreation facilities; e.g.
small, local parks providing playing fields, tennis and
basketball courts. Further, as development occurs, addi-
tional recreation areas will be necessary.
Opportunities
As development occurs, small parks and sensitive environ-
mental areas should be set aside for neighborhood recreation
and open space use.
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GREENPORT AREA
The Greenport area includes the land between Arshamomaque Pond
and the East Marion-Orient Park and School District boundary to
the east of Greenport. This area is not within a park district,
but includes the entire Greenport School District.
Active recreation facilities are limited to those of the school,
which has playgrounds, playing fields, (baseball and football)
and track facilities. Passive recreation is found at the Inlet
Pond nature area.
Access to Town beaches in the area (principally Arshamoma~ue
Clark, Sound Road and Norman E. Klipp) is at present adequate';
much of the area is within one mile of a town beach, while the
remainder is within two miles.
N~eeds
The Greenport area needs additional active recreation areas
and facilities, includinq basketball courts and tennis
Courts.
Small neighborhood parks and playgrounds are needed in areas
outside the school's one-half mile radius.
As the area develops, it will be necessary to add additional
beaches and parks, to prevent existing facilities from being
Over-loaded.
There are several potential park beaches and natural areas
which should be considered for public use. These include
extensive areas near Pipes Cove and Gull Pond.
As development occurs; parks, beaches and environmentally
sensitive areas should be set aside for recreation use and
open space preservation. Of particular benefit may be beach
access along the Sound and open space preservation in the
Pipes Cove area.
East Marion-Orient
The East Marion-Orient Park and School Districts extend eastward
from the Greenport School District line. Although the area has
limited park facilities, there are two school recreation areas;
one in East Marion, one in Orient. These offer playgrounds,
basketball courts, tennis courts and playinq fields (both base-
ball and football). Almost all East Marion residents are within
one-half - three-fourths mile of the East Marion site, while
residents in the Orient hamlet vicinity are within one- half mile
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of the Orient school facilities. In addition, the Oyster Ponds
Historic Society Park serves the residents of Orient. Only the
residents east of Narrow River Road are further than one mile
from active recreation facilities.
District residents are also served by Truman Beach, located
midway between Orient and East Marion. Most East Marion resi-
dents and Orient residents west of Narrow River road are within
two miles of the beach.
In addition Orient State Park offers beaches, natural areas, ball
fields and picnic areas.
Needs
There may be a need for additional beaches in the area,
particularly as more of the area is developed. This is
especially important along the Sound, where development is
most likely to occur.
Small neighborhood parks and play areas will be needed as
areas outside of the one-half mile school radius are devel-
oped.
Opportunities
As development occurs, small parks, beaches and sensitive
environmental areas set aside for neighborhood recreation
use and open space preservation.
A system of carefully planned and located nature trials
should be pursued in the Orient marsh areas.
FISHERS ISLAND
Public recreation on Fishers Island is provided by the Town, the
School District, Island Peoples Project and to some extent,
Fishers Island Development Company (FIDCO). Facilities at the
school include a playground, tennis courts and basketball courts,
while ballfields are located near the hamlet center.
There are two public beaches on the island; a Town beach (unsu-
pervised) near the airport and another (supervised) on West
Harbor, where Island Peoples project provides life guards and
swimming instruction. In addition, island residents may use
Isabella Beach, owned by FIDCO.
Conclusion
This analysis will provide a basis for the proposed recreation
and open space areas in the Plan. There are a number of recre-
ation needs, identified by both the analysis and the League of
Women Voters survey. On a Town-wide basis there is a Current
need for a swimming pool, bicycle paths and nature trails, while
many neighborhoods are in need of nearby active recreation
facilities (the response favoring greater access
facilities in the League's survey is an indication to school
) t generally adequate at present, the Town
a Jho pan~e~ as the Town's population increases.
The above analysis focused on the accessibility and availability
of recreation facilities in Various communities in the Town.
This analysis has been based on currently available data and is
Useful as an initial step in evaluating the adequacy of recre-
ational and beach facilities in the Town.
It would be Useful in the future for the Town to initiate an
actual Use study of Town, Park District and School District
recreational facilities and beach facilities in order to be even
better able to establish a specific program of expansion and site
acquisition.
As land in the Town and particularly along the coast continues to
become more Scarce and~more expensive, the Town will hay
consider a Variety of steps including granting easemen+~ e t~
ing clustering and acquiring additional parcels for Open Space
.... , requlr-
and recreational purposes in order to maintain and expand Current
public access to the Water and provide adequate recreational
sites and facilities for present and future year-round and
seasonal populations.
10
$OUTHOLD TOWN PARK & RECREATION PROPERTY
GOLDSMITH'S INLET PARK
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