By Andrew Coen
As Oppenheimer got older, however, the freshwater pond began to deteriorate after more than two decades of neglect, so much so that many new area residents failed to recognize that the historic body of water, which dates back to the colonial period and the early settlers of the community, was even there.
Now, due in large part to the efforts of 37-year-old Oppenheimer, the five-acre Willow Pond is undergoing a radical transformation, with community leaders deciding to preserve the pond for future generations to enjoy.
Oppenheimer, who lives in Hewlett Harbor and is the commissioner of the Willow Pond Restoration Committee, and other residents of the village have helped secure state funds for the preservation effort. The first phase of the pond's restoration is expected to be completed later this month.
"All of those on the committee feel a sense of obligation to turn Willow Pond over to the future families of the community in as good of a condition, if not better, than we received it," said Oppenheimer, who grew up in East Rockaway. "The ducks don't vote, the fish don't have a say, so it's up to us to take care of it."
The freshwater pond is fed by underground streams, and attracts wildlife including ducks, geese, cranes and various species of turtles, as well as an abundance of grass carp.
After State Sen. Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) obtained a $75,000 grant for the preservation efforts, Oppenheimer and his committee went to work on shoreline restoration, specialized plantings in the area and studies to determine the pond's long-term needs. The grant came together after Hewlett Harbor Trustee Mark Weiss sent a letter to Skelos seeking the funding.
Willow Pond has a place in American history, since the original settlers of the Five Towns area, the Hewletts, used it as a watering hole for farm animals. In the 1950s, the neighboring villages of Hewlett Harbor and Hewlett Bay Park took control of the pond, which was, at the time, used mostly as a rink for a local skating club in the winter months. Hewlett High School also used the pond for biology projects, Oppenheimer said. But, he explained, the pond wasn't maintained properly for more than two decades before his committee was formed three years ago to try and preserve it.
"[The pond] went through some serious neglect for 20 years," said Oppenheimer. "New people [in the community] didn't even recognize that a pond was there. It was really an eyesore."
Oppenheimer said that one of the first ways his committee attempted to restore the pond was by planting three new willow trees, after all the original willows - for which the pond was named - died during the years of neglect. Other plans include plantings to help prevent soil erosion, and the installation of a fence. A donation of services and supplies from American Water Corporation and the local business East Coast Sprinkler Supply will help protect the investment in the new plantings for years, according to Oppenheimer.
"Like so many beautiful natural things around us, all [Willow Pond] needed was a little care to restore it to its former glory," he said.
Further plans for the pond, according to Oppenheimer, include landscaping, lighting, a program to restore the clarity of the water, the creation of bird nesting areas and the reintroduction of wetland plants.
"It's going to be a beautiful place to see and walk by," said Hewlett Harbor Mayor Rochelle Trager Grossman. "I am so glad to see [the preservation] moving forward."
"I'm very happy that we were able to clean it up and make it approachable," said Sandy Tochterman of Hewlett Bay Park, who serves on the Willow Pond Committee. "It's really looking beautiful."
The pond's use as a skating rink most likely won't resume, since, according to Oppenheimer, the water does not freeze as solid as it used to, and area residents have the Grant Park ice rink at their disposal.
In addition to the pond's beautifying the community, Oppenheimer explained that the estuary serves as a storm water runoff for neighboring communities as it flows toward Macy's Channel, making it an important environmental asset. He said that the committee has applied for more grants to study the importance of the pond's use as a runoff.
While there is still much work to do before the pond's restoration is complete, Oppenheimer's goal of reclaiming the duck pond he enjoyed as a child is on its way to becoming reality. "We should all be able to stop at the pond on bike rides and enjoy what we had as children," he said. "Once again it should become a proud destination of natural beauty."
Comments about this story? ACoen@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 210.
