Venditto: Massapequa Has Everything

If you’re looking for communities that have it all, the Massapequas are it. Located close to major roadways and the Long Island Rail Road means you can definitely get there from here, and the area has always attracted families looking for the perfect suburban neighborhood. Residents have access to an outstanding parks system, beaches and recreational programs administered by the Town, not to mention high quality municipal services. The Massapequas are truly great places to live, work and play. Of course, the fact that I’m a longtime resident of the Massapequas does not factor at all into that assessment.

Beautiful suburban neighborhoods are at the heart of the Massapequas. All have unique architectural, environmental and topographical resources that have attracted people to the area for years. Massapequans cherish their quality of life and work to preserve the look and feel and sense of place of these neighborhoods, with the Town standing right beside them. When building practices or incompatible uses that would undermine the integrity of local neighborhoods have been brought to the Town’s attention, the Town Board has been quick to address them with appropriate zoning and building regulations designed to perpetuate the established character of the areas and ensure that redevelopment and new development not only compliment the existing neighborhoods, but reinforce the special assets that make them such desirable places to live.

The “Field of Dreams” is a classic example of residents and the Town working together to protect and improve their community. When Nassau County planned to sell off a 10-acre piece of land to a developer for possible commercial or industrial use, residents were opposed. Parents rallied neighbors, business owners got involved and a community meeting was called. The result was that the parcel was purchased, but by the Town to provide much needed playing fields for the community’s youth.

The Massapequas have a thriving business community. From a “destination” shopping mall with department and specialty stores to small retail malls to local stores along “main” street, shoppers have access to a wide variety of places to “shop ‘til they drop.” Diners can enjoy everything from burgers in a casual setting to upscale dinners in an elegant atmosphere. Businesses large, small and everywhere in between offer a wealth of products, services and employment opportunities and regularly support various charitable, youth and other such organizations that serve Massapequa residents. Many businesses have been in the Massapequas for several generations, a testament to a business environment in which they can prosper and flourish. If you are looking for a great place to establish a business, consider the Massapequas. And, contact our Department of Economic Development, where a comprehensive team of Economic Development professionals is available to serve your business needs. If you already have a business in the Massapequas and are looking to expand or relocate, they also stand ready to help you in any way possible.

 Parks and recreation play an important part in the quality of life in the Massapequas. The Town maintains a network of parks ranging from John J. Burns Town Park offering both well-groomed natural turf athletic fields and state-of-the-art artificial turf fields, tennis and basketball courts, and even boat launching ramps to Marjorie R. Post Community Park, which features an ice skating rink and swimming pool complex, to small neighborhood parklets with basketball courts, children’s play areas and quiet spots for just sitting and relaxing. Residents have access to seven swimming beaches, including the Massapequa’s own Philip B. Healey Beach at Florence Avenue, and the Town’s premier beach, Tobay, which offers swimming in the Atlantic Ocean and South Oyster Bay, as well as the Town’s newest attraction, a spray park, and a full-service marina. In the summer, John J. Burns Town Park is the backdrop for “Music Under the Stars” programs, featuring such talent as Brenda Lee, David Cassidy, Al Martino, Tony Orlando and Lainie Kazan. Residents who enjoy great music can also attend the free “Distinguished Artists” and “Great Sounds of Jazz” concerts in the fall, winter and spring months at local libraries, including Massapequa.  

 The Town also offers a comprehensive, year-round recreation program, including such activities as softball leagues, tennis instruction, ice skating and ice hockey, and a year-round walking program. A special feature is the Summer Recreation Program, which is offered at the community park during July and August providing activities for children and teens. Seniors can enjoy recreation, socializing and special trips as a member of one of the Town-sponsored senior clubs. Senior men can get a good workout by joining one of the four senior softball teams. There are also many community sponsored recreation and sports activities that use Town facilities and offer residents even more variety.  

 To sum it all up, the Massapequas are a great place with a great lifestyle and a great future. I invite you to visit the Town’s Web site, www.oysterbaytown.com, to learn more about the programs and services I’ve touched on. And, keep checking Patch.com for up-to-the minute news on what’s happening in our community.