Brentwood community group calling on Islip to make improvements to Roberto Clemente Park
Skaters at Roberto Clemente Park say they're happy they have a place to go in the community.
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The Town of Islip says it has secured the funding for additions to the park.
Skaters at Roberto Clemente Park say they're happy they have a place to go in the community.
"From what I see now in 2025 and the couple years I've been coming here, I think this place is absolutely beautiful," said Vincent Basile, of Bay Shore.
For years, the Brentwood park was little more than a dumping ground. As News 12 has reported, tens of thousands of pounds of toxic material were left there. The park was closed for more than two years. It reopened after more than $11 million in revitalization. It now has a pool, skatepark, playgrounds, and green grass.
Miguel Turell with the community advocacy group "Uplift Our Towns" says people have been waiting for more than three years for the Town of Islip to continue improving the park, adding new basketball courts, walkways, bathrooms and canopy with a picnic area and game tables.
"This thing shouldn't take this long when the money's available already. That's what's frustrating me, that's what's frustrating my organization, and that's what's frustrating our community," said Turell.
At a Brentwood Chamber of Commerce meeting, Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter addressed Roberto Clemente Park.
She declined to speak with News 12, but during the meeting said further funding for the park was being held by the state. Ten days ago, the town received the letter of intent of funding.
Carpenter says the town will receive nearly $800,000 and has now begun the purchase orders for the requested additions to the park.
In a statement to News 12 Carpenter says:
"Now that the funding is finally guaranteed, the town is working as expeditiously as possible to bring these incredible additions to Roberto Clemente."
People who use the park say they're all for improvements.
"Anything within reason to bring out the community, give people a reason to come outside, enjoy the park, enjoy each other as people, I think would be totally fine," said Joseph Mitchell, of Holtsville.
Uplift Our Towns says the state Attorney General's Office was a big part of adding the new amenities to the park. News 12 reached out for comment and is waiting to hear back.
