In a celebration of community and natural beauty, the Town of Smithtown, along with local community leaders, the Greater Commack Chamber of Commerce, and esteemed state and local officials, gathered at Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve for a ribbon-cutting ceremony that marked the completion of an extensive renovation project.
The tranquil oasis has been a cherished destination for generations of Long Islanders. This recent transformation has breathed new life into the park, making it even more attractive to residents and visitors alike.
Visitors can now revel in the addition of brand new bocce courts, inviting pavilions, and a delightful picnic area. Enhancements were not limited to recreation; they extended to vital amenities as well. The playground and restrooms received extensive makeovers. Concrete walkways were laid down, drainage improved, and a sturdy retaining wall was constructed. All-new surfacing lends a polished look to the park.
Supervisor Ed Wehrheim, representing the Town of Smithtown, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, "There’s been quite a bit of renovations here at our flagship park. This makeover compliments the popularity of Hoyt Farm, where concerts are hosted and large-scale events take place for the community throughout the calendar year… And it really symbolizes what the Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve is all about. Community, collaboration, and celebration. It is an oasis for the whole community to enjoy. And that’s why we invested in these wonderful renovations."
In addition to the recent upgrades, earlier this year, the Town of Smithtown Planning Department collaborated with the Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve team and Cosentino Realty Group to completely restore and install a water tower. This project was generously donated to the Town of Smithtown by Cosentino Realty Group in honor of the late local resident, Vietnam veteran, and builder John E. Baker.
During the summer, Hoyt Farm family members Tom and Mitch Stokes brought large fieldstones from Massachusetts, embedded with bronze plaques, to pay homage to their mother and aunt. The butterfly garden areas at Hoyt Farm were also fortified to be deer-proof, thanks to the efforts of Dominick Guadio, who added native plants and a picturesque flowing waterfall.
The history of Hoyt Farm is intertwined with the legacy of the Hoyt family. In 1965, the Town of Smithtown purchased the property from Maria Hoyt. The 133 acres of land eventually evolved into the spectacular Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve we know today. Under the guidance of Jeff Gumin, the Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve team continues to honor the Hoyt family legacy with a variety of educational programs, events, concerts, and historic tours. These educational programs encompass topics from marine life, indigenous plant life on Long Island, Native American artifacts, to even maple sugaring classes.
The preserve also features a network of scenic nature trails, pollinator gardens, majestic oak forests, pastures, picturesque ponds, and delightful picnic grounds, playgrounds, and pavilions. The grounds are graced by historic buildings and monuments, including two World War I cannons that were once located at Town Hall, the historic Hoyt House, and the recently restored water tower, a testament to the dedication of the Cosentino Family in memory of John Baker, a local veteran, Smithtown resident, and accomplished builder.
Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve remains a treasured destination on Long Island, where nature, history, and community come together. It's a place where families can connect with the outdoors and where the past and present harmoniously coexist.
With its newly revitalized amenities and beautiful surroundings, Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve is sure to continue serving as a gathering place for the community, a hub of education and enrichment, and a source of pride for the Town of Smithtown.
For those looking to experience the magic of Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve, it is located at 200 New Highway in Commack.