The Gardens

 

This 12+ acre site has served the Village of Floral Park community for over 70 years as an active storm basin (or ‘sump’ as sometimes called). Over the years, Nassau County Storm Basin #120 collected storm waters in its four sections before passing excess water to another basin in Elmont. The water table dropped when storm sewers were installed, thereby reducing the amount of water flowing into the basin. Thus, most of the time, the basin is not needed for its primary purpose.  

 

Floral Park Creating a Passive Use Park

 

Determining the future of the basin took several years, but a consensus of concerned neighbors was reached recommending that a passive recreational area be created that would capitalize on the trees and plantings already in place. In reaching this consensus, it was noted that other communities, including nearby Garden City and Hofstra University, had converted storm basins into a bird sanctuary and special planting areas. 

 

Thus, with the overwhelming support of the neighborhood, Floral Park negotiated with Nassau County for use of the site. Eventually, the Nassau County Legislature approved a 30-year renewable lease with the Village of Floral Park. With a long term lease in place, the Village has been able to make the positive capital improvements necessary to develop the storm basin into an attractive passive recreation area.

 

Floral Park Conservation Society

 

Interested residents formed the Floral Park Conservation Society (FPCS), a non-profit organization formed to provide service to the community at Centennial Gardens. The FPCS received non-profit status through the Internal Revenue Service, thus allowing donors to provide tax-deductible contributions to the FPCS. The FPCS volunteers dedicate thousands of work hours each year to undertake the long, but rewarding, process of transforming the formerly neglected site into a landmark garden and bird sanctuary which will be enjoyed by generations of residents.