Last year, the Town of Brookhaven proposed a park on the currently vacant town-owned property located on the site of the former Plaza Theater on East Main Street in East Patchogue, which has since been designated for community benefit.

The community benefit was obtained as a condition of an application for the construction of a 40-unit apartment complex on the adjacent property to the rear of the New York Cancer and Blood medical building by a developer known as G4. The development has also recently broken ground.

“This area is just prime for something we want to do here,” said Focus East Patchogue member John Quatrale, noting that despite its size, there are several opportunities, at the time.

Last year, Focus East Patchogue held a public meeting to discuss to proposal. About 40 people attended.

Now, according to Quatrale, the group is thrilled the project has finally broken ground, though the fate of the park is still undetermined. Plans, he said, include a walking path.

However, councilman Neil Foley has been working with the developer to ensure the community benefit fits public need. The park, he explained, will be an active pocket park with limitations due to the size.

“We are working with different engineers and the park’s commissioner trying to fit in all the activities,” Foley said.

The park will include a basketball court, walking path, a playground, and maybe, if room allows, a pickleball court.

“It’s in the final stage of putting that together now,” Foley said, noting a rendering is being made.

The park, according to Foley, will be designed and completed by the town once funding is received from the developer after the multi-family housing is completed in 2026.

“We’re excited, Focus East Patchogue is excited. We can’t wait to see it come to fruition in 2026,” he added.