Thursday, October 1, 2026
Island Park marked its 100th anniversary Saturday with a celebration that brought together generations of residents, honoring the village’s past while leaving a piece of its present behind for the future.
The village’s Centennial Celebration on Aug. 15 began at the Island Park Fire Department headquarters, where village officials opened a time capsule that had been buried in 1976 and sealed a new one to be opened in 2076.
Mayor Michael McGinty said the moment was a reminder of the connection between generations of Island Park residents.
“There are certain moments in the life of a community that are bigger than the moment itself — moments when the past, present and future somehow come together in one place,” McGinty said.
The original capsule offered a glimpse into Island Park as it was 50 years ago. Inside were a Bicentennial flag and coins, newspapers, letters, programs, a cassette tape and memorabilia from civic organizations, houses of worship and community groups.
Among the items was a blank check from the Bicentennial Committee made out to the village; items from the original time capsule will soon be displayed at the Island Park Library.
For McGinty, the occasion also carried a personal significance. His father was a village trustee in 1976 and was part of the generation that helped bury the original capsule.
“Standing here 50 years later, in nearly the same place where my father once stood as a Village Trustee, is something that is difficult to put into words,” McGinty said.
A new capsule was then prepared and sealed with items representing Island Park in 2026, including a village newsletter, a 75th anniversary journal, a Masone Beach tag, a Centennial pin, a letter from the mayor, a Sacred Heart Church bulletin, current newspapers, a letter from Congressman Anthony D’Esposito, an Island Park Library card and newsletter, a car show ribbon, and items from the Island Park Fire Department.
The capsule will remain sealed until 2076, when the village celebrates its 150th anniversary.
Following the ceremony, residents gathered on the Village Green for a parade that proceeded north along Long Beach Road to Masone Beach.
The celebration continued with a block party at the beach, featuring live music from A Witch’s Brew. Local food trucks and restaurants also served food and refreshments.
McGinty thanked D’Esposito, Legislator Patrick Mullaney and the Island Park Fire Department for helping make the centennial celebration possible. He also recognized Merrick Fire Department Hook & Ladder Co. 1 for assisting with a presentation featuring an American flag arch.
As Island Park celebrated 100 years, McGinty said the time capsule ceremony represented more than a look at the past.
“Fifty years ago, Island Park buried a piece of its present for the future. This weekend, we did the same,” he said. “Here’s to 100 years of Island Park — and to the next 100 years of the story we are writing together.”
