By Jason Scheer
Empty bottles dotted the landscape, the sun- and garbage-scorched grass had lost its green luster and, perhaps most indicative of the refuge-like state the preserve was in, a discarded couch called the bottom of the Tanglewood Pond home.
But no more. The bottles have been replaced by native plants, such as cattails and water lilies, the grass is green again -- not gray -- and the only things now residing in the pond are toads, other small animals and plant life.
Welcome back, Tanglewood.
On July 20, local residents and politicians officially celebrated the completion of the Tanglewood Park and Preserve Re-Construction Project. "We have turned this place around dramatically," Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi said, "and it is now a beautiful example of what people, working together, can accomplish."
The rehabilitation, championed by the county, cost approximately $2 million, and was paid for by federal, state and county contributions. Private donations, mainly from the Center for Science Teaching and Learning (CSTL), also helped make the project possible.
"This is a perfect example of a public-private partnership here in our parks," Suozzi said.
Added Nassau County Legislator Roger Corbin (D-Westbury), "This park is for everybody in Nassau County. ... Everybody, whether you live in Massapequa, Great Neck or Westbury, can come and enjoy this beautiful facility."
According to Suozzi, the project involved the cleanup of more than 3,300 cubic yards of garbage and sediment, the use of bioengineering techniques to stabilize shorelines and prevent erosion, and the planting of wetland and other plants to protect the pond. Construction began in 2003, and final plantings continued through this year.
Many local residents say the preserve is now a source of pride and no longer an eyesore. Cynthia Cooper, a Lakeview resident who has been advocating on behalf of the preserve for more than five years, said she couldn't be happier with the transformation. "Today is such a special day for all of us," she said. "... It brings so much joy to everybody in our community, and I am so proud."
Sidebar: A home for learning
There is more to Tanglewood than just the rejuvenated grass and the picturesque pond. "The park looks great, but the magic is when the kids come," said Ray Ann Havasy, director of the CSTL. "We've taken this gorgeous work that has been done and we're teaching [kids] what it will take to keep it like this forever."
The CSTL is a nonprofit organization dedicated to hands-on science learning and increasing science literacy. It has made the Tanglewood Preserve its home and, as a result, has opened up local children's minds to the wonders of science.
Currently, the CSTL is offering a Sci-Tech Summer Camp Program, which provides kids with a passion for science the opportunity to learn through teamwork, experimentation and play. Chelsea Jacques, 8, is a camper from Lakeview. She said she is enjoying learn about science. "I really like the projects we do. Right now we're building a rocket," she said.
Amber Douglas, 8, of Valley Stream, added, "I like it a lot because it's fun and science is my favorite subject."
In addition to the camp, the CSTL also hosts Saturday Science programs, nature walks and pond studies. In the fall, the center will host Family Science Nights and eventually a science movie night.
Though Tanglewood has come a long way since the renovation project began, the CSTL is seeking help from members of the community. To raise funds, a "buy a brick" program was recently launched, in which, for $150, donors can purchase bricks inscribed with their names and messages on the center's pathway.
For more information on the Center for Science Teaching and Learning, its Sci-Tech camp or Tanglewood Preserve, call (516) 764-0045.
Comments about this story? JScheer@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 234.
