Town of Smithtown & St. James Smithtown Little League Celebrate New Ballfield and Improvements in a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Town of Smithtown Elected Officials, Recreation Department, and Parks, Buildings & Grounds joined together with the St. James Smithtown Little League, Former Mets MLB star & current Hofstra Head Coach Frank Catalanotto, Former NFL Star Marty Lyons, and Gina Keely of the The Paige Elizabeth Keely Foundation in a ceremonial Ribbon Cutting at Championship Saturday. On June 11th, league President Richard Tomitz hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, which included inspiring words from St. James resident and former Mets Star Frank Catalanotto, and Former NFL Star Marty Lyons. Tomitz recognized the Town’s leadership and partnership in upgrading the Little League field at Gaynor Park as well as the largest softball field at Moriches Park in St. James. These improvements to the ballfields are the result of a private/public partnership with the St. James Smithtown Little League to maximize field time and enhance the safety and overall experience for our youth.
“There is really no greater joy in public service than delivering recreational space like this one for our kids… where our future generations learn the fundamental life lessons of teamwork, dedication, friendship and respect. It has been a real pleasure and a privilege to work together with Rich Tomitz and the St. James Smithtown Little League in building this spectacular field. Together, with help from our talented Parks Department, we will continue forward with projects such as this, maintaining our commitment to improving recreational facilities throughout the township.” - Supervisor Ed Wehrheim
The main Little League field at Gaynor Park is the first of two fields to be completed as part of the private/public partnership with the St. James Smithtown Little League. The field has been resurfaced with a 90 foot synthetic turf infield, and new upgrades for safety. The fencing has been raised upwards of ten feet to protect spectators and passing vehicles from fly balls. Brick walkways with messages from supporters surround the new sidewalk, improving the overall aesthetics of the areas frequented by spectators. This latest addition to Gaynor Park complements previous work, which included new Basketball and Tennis courts, in addition to a new state-of-the-art playground.
In addition to the completed work at Gaynor, the softball field at Moriches Park has also been renovated. The Parks Department constructed a new dugout and backstop, and plans to add new outfield fencing once materials arrive. The 90 foot synthetic turf infield replacement complements previous park renovations at Moriches Park, which include the recent replacement of the turf fields at the Soccer Complex, a new soft splash pad at the waterpark, state-of-the-art playgrounds, interactive playhouse, new fencing surrounding the play areas, concrete sidewalks, LED user-friendly crosswalk, and landscaping.