Focuses on Improving Parks, Public Buildings, Recreational Facilities
The Town of Smithtown has just released its annual comprehensive capital improvement plan, outlining major upgrades to parks, historic assets, public buildings, recreation facilities, and core municipal infrastructure across the community.
“Every year, we work to reinvest responsibly in the places where our families learn, play, gather, and access the essential services they rely on,” said Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim. “The 2026 Capital Budget is not just a list of projects, it’s a thoughtful, long-term commitment to preserving Smithtown’s heritage, caring for our natural spaces, expanding recreational opportunities, and ensuring our public buildings remain safe, modern, and welcoming”
Wehrheim said these projects “[serve] a purpose,” adding that they “support our seniors, revitalize our parks, protect our historic treasures, expand recreation, safeguard our assets, and ensure our municipal buildings continue to serve residents efficiently.”
Among these improvements will be long-needed exterior restorations at Sweetbriar Nature Center, new pickleball and tennis courts at the Armory campus and modern sports lighting at the football field.
In addition, the Senior Center auditorium which will undergo a top-to-bottom transformation featuring new stage walls, windows, flooring, ceilings, curtains, and lighting upgrades. Once complete, the auditorium will offer an inviting, accessible venue for performances, lectures, fitness programs, and community events.
Burrwinkle Park is slated for a full state-of-the-art transformation, including a new turf baseball field, modern fencing, dugouts, expanded pads, and ADA-accessible restrooms and walkways. Improvements at Cy Donnelly Park will continue this year with the construction of a redesigned parking area to reduce congestion and improve year-round accessibility.
At Hoyt Farm, a sweeping infrastructure overhaul will address longstanding drainage and stormwater issues, with full lot reconstruction, repaving, a widened driveway, and the installation of a safer pedestrian walkway near the bocce courts. These enhancements will greatly improve visitor access and safety at one of Smithtown’s most cherished destinations. Meanwhile, at the Smithtown Pool Complex, the aging kiddie pool will be replaced by a vibrant modern water park featuring interactive spray elements and expanded water play zones, revitalizing the summer experience for young families.
Beyond recreational enhancements, the 2026 capital program includes significant upgrades to town offices and municipal buildings. Interior renovations at the town clerk’s and comptroller’s offices will modernize workstations, improve customer service functions, and support more efficient daily operations, while the assessor’s office will receive upgrades to improve workflow and public interaction. The broader Town Hall campus will undergo a refreshed exterior, including roof work, façade improvements, and protective treatments that enhance longevity and strengthen the professional appearance of the complex.
In addition, construction is progressing steadily on the new Public Safety Headquarters, which will soon consolidate Park Rangers, Public Safety, and emergency support operations into a modern, efficient facility designed to enhance service and improve public safety coordination. To support year-round maintenance of parks and open spaces, the Town is also moving forward with a new dedicated equipment storage facility for the Parks Department — an investment that will protect heavy machinery and improve operational efficiency.
Looking ahead, several important projects are on the horizon for 2026. In the spring, the town will celebrate the opening of Phase I of Survivors Park at Valmont Village Park — a healing-inspired space created in partnership with the Commack Community Alliance, and other vital community groups, alongside St. Catherine of Siena Hospital. The park’s signature pink-ribbon walkway, new landscaping, and redesigned entryways create a meaningful tribute to breast cancer awareness while offering a tranquil retreat that wraps thoughtfully around the playground.
The town is also actively pursuing new state funding to construct all-abilities playgrounds in multiple hamlets. With grant efforts underway, the vision includes sensory play features, ADA-inclusive equipment, communication boards, and fully accessible surfacing designed so that children of all abilities can play together safely and joyfully.