Major renovations to Whelan Park in the village of Malverne were recently completed. The $6.3 million project adds numerous recreational amenities, helps reduce flooding around the park and enhances stormwater infrastructure for the neighboring community.
“Long Islanders know best how major storms can affect their communities,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “Fortunately, key infrastructure upgrades can help manage stormwater and mitigate flooding. Projects like this demonstrate New York’s commitment to adapt to our changing climate and improve public greenspaces at the same time.”
The community surrounding Whelan Park previously suffered from flooding that impacted roads and homes, and prevented families from enjoying all the available recreational space. The governor’s office said the project makes the community more resilient to localized flooding and the park more accessible. The renovations include two new Little League ball fields, a picnic area, dog park and pedestrian jogging pathway.
To improve storm water resiliency in the areas surrounding Whelan Park, which was originally constructed on top of a pond, subsurface water retention basins were installed under the existing baseball fields and paved areas. Porous pavement and bioswales were also constructed, acting as natural filters to improve water quality and increase water storage capacity. Improvements to the site’s grading and hardscapes were also performed to mitigate localized flooding.
Educational displays were installed focusing on the purpose of retention basins, history of the surrounding neighborhood and natural species found in the park. These improvements will address stormwater management in Malverne, provide benefits to the ecological health of the Pine Stream, and enhance public access and the community’s appreciation of Whelan Park.
The project is supported by $6.3 million from New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s (HCR) Office of Resilient Homes and Communities’ Mill River Drainage program, which increases the resiliency of communities along the Mill River by managing stormwater, improving habitat and water quality, and expanding recreational opportunities in the Mill River watershed.
New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “New York is leading the way on climate adaptation and resiliency. This State investment will mitigate flooding, improve stormwater management, and help enhance the local ecology around the Mill River while also making Whelan Park more family-friendly for generations to come.”
Assemblymember Judy Griffin said, “The $6.3 million revitalization and renovation of Whelan Park, in the Village of Malverne, is an ideal example of how HCR can vastly benefit communities,” Assemblymember Judy Griffin (D-Rockville Centre) added. “I am so excited to see my constituents enjoy the new facilities.”
Village of Malverne Mayor Timothy Sullivan said, “Following a pattern of intensifying storms and weather events over these past years, we pledged to harden our infrastructure to mitigate against future flooding and the devastating effects it has had on our homes and environment. We have accomplished this while providing enhanced recreational offerings and innovative design encompassing the infrastructure that now exists in the place of a long-lost pond. Whelan Park is a crowning achievement brought to you by the hard work of many which will provide countless benefits to our community for generations to come.”