Volunteers Take First Step Toward Creating North Haven Park

The first step toward transforming the former Lovelady Powell property, and what once was the start of a tree-lined driveway to the Pallottine Fathers House, in North Haven into a new park and walking path was taken on Saturday, April 30, when about 30 volunteers gathered to clear brush and overgrowth from the site.

According to North Haven Village Trustee Chris Fiore — who is leading the effort with Sam Panton, the owner of Terra Design Studios, who has volunteered his time to develop an initial plan for the park — the group filled one and a half dumpsters donated by Maggio Environmental during the initial cleanup. Landscape designer Julia Hubbard has also donated her services, Fiore said.

He said the initial focus was on cleaning up a portion of the former driveway, included in the preserved Cilli Pond property, that runs from Ferry Road to Sunset Beach Road. The driveway, which also followed Barclay Drive, was once lined with silver maples all the way to the Pallottine Fathers House, which is now a private home in the West Banks development.

Volunteers will be asked to help clear invasive vegetation from the rest of the combined 10-acre site in the coming weeks.

Southampton Town recently purchased the Lovelady Powell property through the Community Preservation Fund. The property containing the former driveway was acquired years ago.

Fiore said a preliminary plan for the park and walkway will be presented at the Village Board meeting on May 17, at which the input of residents will be sought. He said he hoped a final plan could be ready for the board’s June meeting.

An independent nonprofit park board has been established and will seek contributions for the park. Fiore said the goal was to raise $250,000 and not use any tax dollars to underwrite the park.