Caumsett Unveils New Courtyard and Classrooms
Recipients of the Park and Trail Partnership grant are able to accomplish great things. The grant supports stewardship and improvements for our beloved state parks, trails, historic sites, and public lands. PTPP grants have empowered Friends groups to enhance their capability to support outdoor recreation and care for our state parks and public lands.
Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve, situated in the beautiful Long Island region, recently renovated their courtyard and fulfilled a part of their outdoor classrooms initiative. Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve was able to unveil these new classrooms using grant funds from the Parks and Trail Partnership Grant (PTPP). The Caumsett Foundation recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate this triumph this past June. This project is the first indoor and outdoor space that the Caumsett Foundation can use to hold meetings and lectures. The courtyard is now even more appealing, promoting how the Foundation’s efforts go a long way. We talked to Janet Barone, the standing President of The Caumsett Foundation, about this accomplishment and the process.
Barone first realized the potential benefit of the PTPP grant program after attending a Parks and Trails New York local Friends Group meeting where PTPP was discussed. After the meeting, she communicated with the Caumsett Foundation board whom agreed it would further advance their park preserve.
The Caumsett Foundation board and Barone were already working on an adaptive reuse project for their indoor classroom in one of the park’s historic buildings. They became determined to further this project by expanding it to include the outside of the facility as well. An obstacle they overcame with this project was sufficiently draining the courtyard after experiencing a wet season. They received help from the State, and the issue was resolved by clearing out a dry well and its drainage pipes. The State also helped by adding copper gutters to the building. All the hard work and effort paid off when the public got to enjoy the space, Barone notes. Pedestrians, walkers, runners and park-goers alike are often seen now taking a restful moment at the new benches in the courtyard. As far as advice, Barone suggests organizations with construction projects should “find a great architect and go for it”.
Parks & Trails New York commends The Caumsett Foundation for their admirable work towards continuously improving and maintaining their state park preserve. PTNY encourages all Friends group to pursue their own projects that help the public lands that are so important to New York State. To gain more information about ways you can help and advocate for our state parks, historic sites, and trails, visit the PTNY website.