Fort Pond House In Montauk To Re-Open

The newly renovated Fort Pond House at Carol Morrison Park in Montauk will open for public use beginning on Sunday, June 5.

Helmed by East Hampton Town Councilman Peter Van Scoyoc and town’s Property Management Committee, the restoration includes a new roof, siding, decking, refinished floors, sheetrock, painting and access for the disabled.

Mr. Van Scoyoc said that various community groups have already expressed interest in using the versatile, town-owned space. It had been used by the Montauk Boy Scouts, the Montauk School, Third House Nature Center and the Hamptons Shakespeare Festival prior to its closure in 2010, when town officials deemed it unsafe.

“Many of these same organizations have expressed interest in their continued use of Fort Pond House and Carol Morrison Park, and we now have a tremendous asset and management plan to help ensure they can,” Mr. Van Scoyoc said.

The structure was purchased from Lee A. Deadrick in 2003 and was used for environmental education and art classes before the town listed it for sale.

The property consists of 3.9 acres of woodland, lawns and trails overlooking Fort Pond. Originally called the Deadrick House, the structure was built in 1926 as a 1,200-square-foot residence.

“Recognizing the value of this property to our community, I am proud to have contributed to its restoration,” said Mr. Van Scoyoc. “The dedication and effort from our Property Management Committee, several town departments, the Town Board and donations from Men at Work, CCOM, Warren’s Nursery and Fort Pond Native Plants have demonstrated the benefit of an effective public-private partnership.”