
A special evening in West Islip is planned for next Thursday, July 13, with the idea being to recapture the spirit that helped bring about the Madeleine’s Playground project at West Islip Beach in 2014.
It was in May of that year when over 200 volunteers transformed the Sandy-damaged town park into a brand new playground memorializing Madeleine Hsu, one of the 26 victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in Connecticut, according to the town.
“There are so many great community groups, but a lot of times they are working on their own things,” explained Islip Town Councilman Steve Flotteron, “but through this [project] everyone came out and helped each other.”
The community came together again last summer for a night at the playground.
“And this year we’re doing the same thing,” Flotteron said.
The Family Night at the Beach will feature live music from high school and local bands, as well as some free ices and watermelon and modestly priced pizza and hot dogs.
The party runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Community groups such as the West Islip Chamber of Commerce, West Islip Beautification Society, West Islip Association, West Islip Fire Department, the Women of West Islip and the local Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts troops are all participating in the special evening.
“It’s pretty much come on down; bring you folding chair and your blanket,” Flotteron said.
2016 photo by Jennifer Mercurio/Lasting Impressions Photography