Babylon Town OKs $2M in bonds for project

The Town of Babylon has approved $2 million in bonding toward part of its Wyandanch Rising revitalization.

The town, which approved the issuance of the bonds last week, would use the money toward the redevelopment of Geiger Lake Park, which sits in Wyandanch and Deer Park.

The money would go toward the construction of a spray park, playgrounds, parking lots and comfort stations, as well as landscape improvements. The town had originally said the spray park would be open in July but that was delayed when materials didn’t arrive on time, said town Supervisor Rich Schaffer. The spray park should be done this fall and ready for use next summer, he said.

The bonds will not be issued right away, and town spokesman Tim Ruggeri said it is hoped the costs will instead be paid for through grants. The town brought $5 million in bonds to market in May to finance other parts of the park overhaul. That same month the town also received $4.1 million for park improvements from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

In addition to the spray park and playgrounds, plans include new basketball courts, a carousel, a conservatory and a botanical garden. The entire park redevelopment is expected to cost $11 million and is part of Wyandanch Rising, the town’s $500 million public/private initiative to revitalize downtown Wyandanch.

Above: An artist rendition of Wyandanch Rising.