The final plan for the Roe Park revitalization was announced at the Blue Point Civic Meeting on June 6 by councilman Neil Foley (R-District 5).

The plan includes on-site parking, a skateboard/rollerblade area, a multi-sport court for basketball and deck hockey, a more traditional playground on a rubberized surface for ages 2 to 10, pavilion, and walking path around the entire park.

The dream and vision for a park came from local youth William Schettino, who tragically died in an accident before the plan could come to fruition, nearly 10 years ago.

Following his death in March 2012, Schettino’s family and friends continued to lobby lawmakers and elected officials for Roe Park to become actualized.

The Blue Point Civic Association became involved when then-legislator Robert Calarco attended a meeting and presented conceptual plans, but warned of a lack of funding.

BPCA member and local activist James Powers attended a Suffolk County Legislature budgeting meeting and gave an empowering, eloquent request for the additional funding to be assigned to the project.

The result was over $1 million allocated to the park from the county. After several additional years of negotiations, the land has finally been transferred from the county to the Town of Brookhaven. Foley attended BPCA’s June general meeting with the conceptual plan from the town. As with most town parks, hours will be dawn to dusk, no lighting or on-site restrooms.

“We are excited to see this project come to fruition, after several years and the involvement of so many people, but in particular, the Schettino family, Luigi and Jo Ann carrying on their son Billy’s vision for the property,” said Jason Borowski, president of the BPCA, adding, “the town plan provides something for everyone, whether it’s active using one of the courts, or passive by taking a stroll around the walking path.  Most importantly, it gives the children of our community a new place to get outside, be active, and just be kids.”

The former site of Blue Point laundry has languished the past few years, but now is slated to become a cornerstone of the community with its revitalization.

The multi-sport court will have capability for basketball and deck hockey, and a more traditional playground area will be installed over a rubberized surface.

For families looking for summertime gatherings, a pavilion with picnic tables will be on site.  To separate the park with the shared boundary of the Long Island Rail Road, a 14-foot-high fence will be built.